Search - Fairfield Four :: Standing in the Safety Zone

I once was lost, but now I'm found

William Adair | 10/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've caught the Fairfield Four every now and then, on various radio shows (e-town) and TV specials (like the recent dedication to Johnny Cash), and have always been impressed with their smooth harmonies. So I picked up this CD on a lark. Words fail me, but here goes.Take a closer look at the 5 men on the CD cover. During their five decades of performing the best gospel music (with 20 years' time off) they've seen it all, from desperately hard times to vicious bigots, yet their commitment and sincerity has carried them through. And this experience shows- when you hear the Fairfield Four sing you're listening to over 300 years of pain, heartbreak, love, faith, and joy.On this recording, two of the Four really stand out: Walter Settles (center, behind), who carries the lead on 5 songs (including the stellar "Standing in the Safety Zone"), could have taught Otis Redding something about soul (and maybe he did). And upon hearing Isaac Freeman (far right) sing bass, Garrison Keillor said "Some can and some can't." He knew where he stood.There's not a bad song on this CD. For me, "Roll Jordan Roll," performed with the Nashville Bluegrass Band, and "Standing in the Safety Zone" are the highlights. If you like a capella music, it doesn't get any better than this.Funny how so many of the reviewers say the same thing: "I'm not really religious but..." No matter who (or what) you believe in, you can't help but be moved by the Fairfield Four."

Powerful basso profundo, great a cappella gospel!

M. Kennedy | St. Louis, MO USA | 04/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Isaac "Dickie" Freeman, the bass singer in this group, is the reason I love this CD so much. I got to hear this group live several years ago and was just blown away. Listen to the track "Roll Jordan Roll" and the nice smooth way the Nashville Bluegrass Band starts off. They are a great group in their own right, but when Freeman comes in and starts the rest of the Fairfield Four's contribution, it's a whole different song!
This CD was recorded before the death of some of the original members of the world's "oldest teenage group." Highly recommended!"

Now this is great gospel!

Michael Fletcher | Murrieta, CA USA | 08/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Standing in the Safety Zone by the Fairfield Four is my all-time favorite gospel title in my music collection!The first track sounds a bit crackly and lo-fi. If you were to listen to this track and judge the CD, you would be very mistaken about the quality of sound from this recording. The first song is an older track, but all the subsequent tracks are crystal clear, moving and engaging.Although this is a gospel title, I love to play this for friends to show off my high end audio system. The vocals are spacious, harmonious and full of life. The recording is superb and the performance is fantastic. I especially like the bass vocals on this album. The sound is exceptional, but the songs are uplifting and moving as well. This is a recording that will touch your ears and your heart.I heard about this CD in one of my high end audio magazines. They used this CD to test some esoteric audio gear and they raved about how good it was. That review intrigued me, so I bought a copy and it remains one of my favorites.Unless you are offended by Christian lyrics, get this album now! You will be in for a real treat!"