Fred Hammond - Free To Worship

By Peggy Oliver

It’s been a blink of an eye (O.K. two years) since multi-tasker Fred Hammond’s last solo effort, Somethin’ ‘Bout Love, but as always, his hands have been full with side projects (The Singletons, Joann Rosario, etc.), and a geographic change to boot.

His latest Free To Worship, was recorded between The Potter’s House Church and Face-To-Face studios, both located at Hammond’s new home base, Dallas, Texas. Even though Hammond has been around for at least two decades, here is a quick peek at the Michigan native’s journey.

From his days with The Winans and Commissioned (who brought you Marvin Sapp, etc.) as bass guitarist, vocalist, etc. al., many other artists have been blessed either sharing the stage or in the studio: Ruben Studdard, Israel Houghton, and Patrick Dopson, whom many compare with Hammond’s soulful tenacity. Backing vocalists Radical For Christ also played a major role since the mid-90's.

A man of many hats, Hammond juggles his own Face-To-Face productions and record label, FHammond Music. That said, Potter’s House founder/Senior Pastor Bishop T.D. Jakes, stirs up Hammond worship approach, with shear simplicity while reaching the hurting and broken-hearted.

Hammond and company emphatically usher in His majesty with My Heart Is For You: “Let it be the sound you want to hear.” Getting down in the funk pockets, He’ll Do It reassures the Lord preplans a destination in our lives, no matter what our situation: “There’s an appointed destination I gotta’ make.”

Want excitement, just as Hammond coaxes in the intro? Lord Your Grace surrounded with wall to wall vocal passion and sophisticated horn punches, humbles us to unlimited grace in store when we fail: “Where sin abounds, grace abounds so much more” (Romans 5:15). The pace shifts to a Caribbean-flavored jam, This Is The Day, driven by percussionists Calvin Rodgers and Darius Fentress. Hammond’s arranging prowess keeps the melody intact on this popular hymn.

More Than You slows the festivities a bit, but the attitude continues in fever pitch, especially on the vamp, “Oh Lord, I’m chasing, My soul is thirsty.” For the awesome price paid on Calvary, Every Time I Think extends thanks for redemption. A greasy funk aftertaste harkening Sly & The Family Stone and bass guitarist/vocalist Larry Graham (Graham Central Station), amplifies an already “mighty good” time.

“My praise will keep me movin’ on”. Keep On Praisin’ covers us with an insurance plan preventing the enemy to distort our plans. Starting nearly with a whisper, the piercing voices can’t be contained on No Greater Love. Combining disco’s thump and Hammond’s fluid delivery, L.O.U.D. L.O.U.D. rejoices in dance and outright loudness for His unconditional love.

The remaining selections head for calmer worship places: a Hammond vocal solo, There Is No Place, Thank You (I Won’t Complain) featuring sweet adlibs from head to toe, a chance to hear Hammond’s inner thoughts on Simply Put, and the ambient overtones of And We Worship You. Not to omit a classic Hammond up lifter, a live version of Celebrate (He Lives) inspired by John 3:16.

Both old and new vocal associates accentuate the proceedings, including PamKenyon M. Donald, Charles Laster, and co-producer Bobby Sparks (Kirk Franklin, Roy Hargrove). For the live sessions, Rodgers guides the house band. For those privileged with the limited-edition DVD companion, the choir (dubbed FTW Dallas Crew) doesn’t appear as stage dressing, but stays close to Hammond, whether with subtle dance steps or otherwise, stirring up the praise atmosphere. No matter where Hammond physically resides, he clearly understands the liberty we have available in adoring Jesus, and he’s not afraid to use it.

The Verity Records web is www.verityrecords.com, and there’s more information on Hammond’s ministry on www.fredhammondmusic.com.