Irma Thomas - True Believer

Like her first two efforts for Rounder, True Believer is a stellar collection of contemporary soul performed in the classic '50s New Orleans tradition. The difference is in conception. True Believer focuses on heartbreak songs, and there is genuine anguish in Irma Thomas' voice, making new songs by the likes of Dan Penn, Dr. John, Tony Joe White, Allen Toussaint, and Doc Pomus sound like instant classics. Another excellent effort from a woman who has plenty to her credit. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide

Name Credits A.J. Pittman Trumpet Alvin "Red" Tyler Horn Arrangements Amadee Castenell, Jr. Sax (Tenor) Bill "Foots" Samuel Sax (Baritone), Horn Arrangements, Sax (Tenor) Charles Elam III Vocals (Background) Chris Belleau Trombone Chris Severin Bass (Acoustic), Bass Cranston Clements Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar David Farrell Mixing, Engineer David Torkanowsky Piano, Piano (Electric), Rhythm Arrangements Earl "Chinna" Smith Vocals (Background) Earl J. Smith, Jr. Vocals (Background) Frank Parker Trumpet Herman V. Ernest III Drums, Percussion Irma Thomas Vocals, Producer Jay Gallagher Second Engineer Nancy Given Design Pamela Landrum Vocals (Background) Rick Olivier Photography Sammy Berfect Organ (Hammond), Vocal Arrangement, Rhythm Arrangements Scott Billington Producer, Design Steve Reynolds Second Engineer Ted Drozdowski Liner Notes Tom Coyne Mastering