Page 57 - ION Indie Magazine SeptOct 2019 Issue

Now, to be honest, the inclusion of "Easy Loving" is a marketing strategy. Putting Freddie's signature song on
this album would surely encourage more people to buy it, that's true. But this is a newly recorded version, so
maybe that would be a turnoff. Many times, remaking a classic of this stature would be a serious gamble. Freddie
himself was hesitant, as the song didn't fit the overall album theme. After hearing the finished product, it
became apparent it was meant to be. "Easy Loving" shows the staying power and relevance that Freddie's music
still has after all these years. Likewise, these new songs will stand that same test of time and are destined to
become classics with a message that will be heard and revered for generations to come. So, if this song helps to
get these others heard, then our lives will all be the better for it. Perhaps though, "Easy Loving" fits better than
one might think. It certainly has touched so many lives over the years and was a big steppingstone in Freddie's
career, enabling him to bring joy to his legions of fans through his music. I feel this is also a spiritual song in its
own way.

So, you may ask, how does the new "Easy Loving" sound? I had the pleasure to be there when he cut it. When
Freddie stepped up to the mic to record it, his voice wrapped right around it like a well-tailored suit. Then, the
great Jimmy Fortune added his angelic voice and it just soared! If that's not spiritual, then I have missed my
mark.

My review would not be complete without discussing the album production, musicians, and cover graphics. To
me, there could be no one better than David Frizzell to produce this album. The Frizzell and Hart names have
been connected since Freddie's career began. It was Lefty Frizzell that first hired Freddie to work on the road
with him and got him his first record deal. Lefty was also Freddie's best man at his wedding. A few years later,
when David first began his own recording career, his first release was a song written by Freddie Hart. It was
called "Love Baby," for those of you that are curious. So, it was very fitting that when Freddie wanted to do one
more album that the Frizzell name would be involved. David, along with engineer Steve Chandler, worked above
and beyond to make this album the very best it could be. Their hard work certainly paid off! The album has
incredible fidelity and you clearly hear every word Freddie sings.

David assembled a team of musicians and singers second to none to record the music for these new songs.
Watching them record the tracks, it became evident that they all knew this was something special. Freddie was
delighted with the results and included the musicians in his remarks in the liner notes.

When Freddie came in to record this project, he had very specific things in mind that he wanted to be sure were
done for this project. One of those was the album cover photo. He said it showed him as he truly is and captured
his essence. That photo, along with the other photos used on the package, were photographed by my wife, Sara
Wikle. David's wife, Jo, put the whole package together with her awesome experience and expertise, making it
worthy of the songs inside.

Sadly, Freddie would not be here to see the album's release. However, all of his wishes were carried out and he
did hear many of the final mixes before he passed. He was very pleased with the results. As I listen to this album,
it is my hope that it touches you in a special way, as it will always do for me. "God Bless You," Freddie Hart, for
this beautiful gift of music!

***

"God Bless You" is released on the indie label Nashville America Records and is available
at https://www.davidfrizzell.com/product-page/freddie-hart

Learn more about Freddie Hart’s music and his illustrious career at:
http://freddiehart.com/
https://www.facebook.com/FreddieHartHOF/