Dixie Hummingbirds Diamond Jubilation CD

The Dixie Hummingbirds: Ira Tucker Sr.(vocals); Larry Campbell (acoustic & electric guitars, baritone guitar, pedal steel guitar, resonator guitar, mandolin, violin); Garth Hudson (accordion, piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Dr. John (piano, electric Wurlitzer piano); Tony Garnier (bass, stand up bass); Levon Helm (drums); George Recile (percussion).
Recorded at Scullville Studios, Scullville, New Jersey.
Personnel: Lyndon Baines Johnson (vocals, guitar); Frank Frierson, Enoch Webster, William Bright, Ira Tucker, James "D-Train" Williams (vocals); Larry Campbell (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, resonator guitar, baritone guitar, mandolin, violin); Garth Hudson (accordion); Dr. John (piano); Levon Helm (drums); George Recile (percussion).
Audio Mixers: Michael Newman; Shelly Yakus.
Liner Note Author: Isaac Hayes.
Recording information: Scullville Studios, Scullville, NJ.
Photographer: Danny Clinch.
Arrangers: Ira Tucker; Larry Campbell.
It's best to set the record straight before anybody gets the idea that because the Dixie Hummingbirds have asked a number of friends from the secular music world to play with them, they are doing a Blind Boys of Alabama riff. Diamond Jubilation marks the Dixie Hummingbirds' 75th anniversary as a group. Fronted by the great Ira Tucker Sr., this quartet is performing at a creative peak and this album is the evidence. There are no pop songs here. This is a gospel program, even if those songs come from unlikely sources, like producer Larry Campbell. The guests here are relatively few and the instrumentation spare: there's Campbell, Dr. John (one cut), Levon Helm and Garth Hudson from the Band, Tony Garnier, and percussionist George Recile. The rest is the Hummingbirds rocking it up in joyful and reverent style; whether the tune is by Tucker such as "He Watches Over Me," a Dorothy Love Coates classic like "I've Been Born Again," something by Campbell like the country gospel ragtime of "Someday," the inimitable sacred blues of Buddy & Julie Miller as on "Too Many Troubles," or the canonical traditional song "Rasslin' Jacob," the treatment is the same. Here Tucker, and sometimes William Bright, front a group whose seams have long since been covered over by sheer musical skill and prayerful instinct. One listen to the album's opener, Rev. Dan Smith's nugget "God's Radar," is enough to take listeners out of current time and space and carry them into an entirely new emotional and sonic dimension. The instrumentation, mandolins, guitars, organic hand percussion, drums, and accordions serve the voices, not the other way around. Singing is what propels the tunes here, a joyful noise that is as liberating as the gospel itself. Take this one home and something will change, even if it's only for the duration of the recording. ~ Thom Jurek
DIAMOND JUBILATION proves that the Dixie Hummingbirds, who formed in the 1920s, still embody the essential qualities of traditional gospel music. This 2003 release features many memorable tracks, performances by two former members of The Band and the inimitable pianist Dr. John, plus the warm-toned voice of gospel icon Ira Tucker, Jr.
Tucker's voice retains the authority it wielded decades ago. The somber hymn "When I Found Jesus Christ" and the lush ballad "I Bid You Goodnight" both highlight his throaty yet smooth vocal style. The upbeat and swinging "I've Been Born Again" is one of the album's highlights. On this tune, the Dixie Hummingbirds harmonize superbly over drummer Levon Helm's infectious groove. All the while, Tucker recounts the familiar gospel tale of "seeing the light." Other songs on DIAMOND JUBILATION maintain an air of celebration. The optimistic "He Watches Out For You and Me" and the bouncy doo-wop selection "Rasslin' Jacob" round out this varied and compelling track list.Dirty Linen (4/04, p.57) - "[T]he 'Birds remain creative and vital, as this rewarding disc shows..."
Living Blues (11/03, p.72) - - "...Ultimately the Birds' success rested on their careful balancing of tradition and innovation, a skill that is in evidence on DIAMOND JUBILATION..."
Yoga Journal (p.166) - ?[T]he passion of their performances provides a window onto a universal spirituality that seekers of all persuasions will appreciate.?
Mojo (Publisher) (1/04, p.102) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[T]he mood is stripped-down and beautifully melodic."