Springfield

CAROLE FREDERICKS is a phenomenal voice... a legendary musical presence...overflowing generosity... strength and simplicity. In 1979, she emigrated to France. Although French was not her native tongue, Fredericks mastered the language and became a renowned recording artist in the French-speaking world. For more than 22 years Paris, France was her home. Fredericks\' vocal style gave birth to the soulful rhythm and blues sounds prevalent in contemporary French pop music. Her death left an unmistakable void in the music world and in the hearts of millions of fans. Carole Fredericks is no longer with us but her music is. The Springfield album (1996) was recorded in July 1996. For her first solo album, Carole decided to sing what she knew best - the blues and gospel. The entire album is recorded in English. She wrote the lyrics to 12 of the 14 songs. Accompanied by the Lafayette Inspirational Ensemble of Brooklyn, NY under the direction of the late Oliver Williams the album showcases inspired and personal contemporary gospel music. The Blues album also features You Had It Comin\' a rare duet with older brother blues musician Taj Mahal. Springfield is a tribute to Carole\'s idols - Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, Sam and Dave, and the Beatles. “Carole has a glorious voice and sings from the heart…The influences of Aretha Franklin and Mahalia Jackson can be heard throughout this fine album… A must buy for blues and gospel lovers.” Dave Drury, Blues Matters Magazine United Kingdom “Reachin is a ass-kicking slab of testifying…while “Oh Happy Day”… performed by Fredericks and the [Lafayette Inspirational] Ensemble, sans band, [is] a damn fine take on this song. Carole Fredericks was a superb singer and her early passing is a real tragedy…this CD is certainly worth investigating…” Phil Wight, Blues&Rhythm Magazine United Kingdom “I have said it before and I will say it again there is no musical instrument quite like the human voice. In the hands of an expert, it is an instrument without equal for power and emotion. \"Springfield\", the first solo recording of the late Carole Fredericks is just such an incredible recording. Ms. Fredericks, the youngest sister of US music icon Taj Mahal, was surely one of the more gifted and blessed vocalists of her generation. \"Springfield\" is a collection of 14 excellent tracks, with 12containing Carole Fredericks\' original lyrics. The material is mostly Gospel, blues, and R&B flavored with a dash or rock or funk thrown [in] every now and then for extra seasoning. Ms. Fredericks was accompanied on this set by the wonderfully talented Lafayette Inspirational Ensemble of Brooklyn, NY. The musicians are also world class and the band is tight, talented, and more than a match for every style represented here. There is even a most enjoyable duet featuring Ms. Fredericks and her famous brother Taj Mahal (trk#3 ‘You Had It Comin’). But at the center of it all is the incredible voice, energy, and spirit that was and always will be Carole Fredericks. …I found myself somewhat spellbound by this recording. Like Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, and other great gospel singers of that era, Carole Fredericks’ music spoke deeply to me and stirred many emotions, both good and bad. ...there is so much fabulous music here, but if I were to point to one track on the set, it would be the Carole Fredericks original song \"Change\", which seems to me to be an accurate capsule representation of what Carole Fredericks was, is, and will always be: powerful, emotional vocals presenting a very personal story of the battles of life being overcome by grace, redemption and a faith and hope available to all of mankind. On June 7, 2001 Carole Fredericks and her tremendous talent left this world…Her spirit lives on through the songs of \"Springfield\" ... The Spirit that was within her remains today calling anyone who will listen to the same life of peace, hope, and infectious joy that characterized Ms. Fredericks\' brief time here. If you are a fan of gospel or blues vocals, you will want to own a copy of \"Springfield\" and other of Carole Fredericks\' recordings.\" Tom Branson, Bluesrocker Online Review Websites: www.cdfmusiclegacy.com www.MySpace.com/carolefredericks