Mr. Sipp – Old Time Church
10 tracks/42 minutes
Castro Coleman, aka Mr. Sipp or The Mississippi Blues Child, began the climb of the ladder to fame by winning the 2014 International Blues Challenge. His star rose rapidly and he continues to produce superb blues, soul and now Gospel albums for all to savor. He returns to his church roots with Old Time Church as he and the cast of musicians who support him let the spirit move them and deliver ten fine performances of great hymns and Gospel tunes.
“When The Saints Go Marching In” opens the album and Mr. Sipp and company nail this great NOLA traditional number. He takes us back to the old church with “Glory Glory” as he kills the guitar lead and sings with true Gospel passion. The old hymn “Amazing Grace” is a spiritually filled rendition by Mr. Sipp. He and performers open slowly and reverently and the song builds in intensity about half way through. As they go home there some more instrumentals added as it concludes with faithful passion. “You’ve Been Good To Me” follows, a great old Gospel tune that Sipp gives his all with as do the rest of the musicians. The song builds up as the Spirit guides them all in this endeavor. “This Old Building” is a jumping spiritual that Coleman sings and plays with spiritually inspired near reckless abandon. Another super cut!
“If It Had Not Been For The Lord On My Side” takes things down in tempo as he and the backing singers take us to church with their souls and the spirit guiding them. The percussion and hand claps get the listener wanting to join in as the song begins. Then it’s “Come By Here,” another great Gospel tune. Mr. Sipp and company give us another outstanding performance. “It’s Alright” is the 1963 Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions cut that Castro takes us to church with. Well done! Then it’s Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” and we once again get an emotional and powerful performance. If this doesn’t tear at your heart you just might not have one. Concluding the album is the famed 1967 gospel music arrangement of the 1755 hymn by clergyman Philip Doddridge that was done by the Edwin Hawkins Singers and became an international hit two years later. “Oh Happy Day” is a a classic and Castro does a amazing and excellent job with this one, too.
We finally got on the Malaco mailing list and are happy to review their albums. I truly enjoy all their releases and Mr. Sipp has done a spectacular job on this album of old time church songs!
