Sam Butler/The Boys
Saint Paul, MN | Established. Jan 01, 2016 | INDIE | AFM
Music
Press
This Is Rock and Soul, Not Your Father’s Gospel Album
Jeff Burger / October 1, 2015
Raise Your HandsGospel music has never made it onto my list of favorite genres, so when I read that this album consisted of spirituals, I expected to be tossing it into the reject pile after a perfunctory listen. In fact, Raise Your Hands! riveted my attention from first track to last and is now in heavy rotation around my house.
As it turns out, this solo debut from former Blind Boys of Alabama guitarist Sam Butler is not your father’s gospel album; in fact, while it taps gospel influences, it’s really all about rock and soul. Eschewing traditional sources, Butler turns to contemporary rock artists for all of his material. Writers include Bruce Springsteen (“Heaven’s Wall”), Van Morrison (”Full Force Gale”), Tom Waits (“Gospel Train”) and Curtis Mayfield (“Wherever You Leadeth”). There’s also a track from U2 (“Magnificent”) and even one from the Bee Gees (“The Lord”).
Butler—who has worked with the likes of Keith Richards and Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen—delivers blistering guitar work throughout. His biggest asset, though, is his rich and powerful voice, which recalls the work of the latter-day Gary U.S. Bonds. On standouts like Eric Clapton’s “Presence of the Lord,” which outshines the Blind Faith original, and Eliza Gilkyson’s “Sanctuary,” Butler proves himself to be on a par with soul music’s finest singers. - Jeff Burger
Discography
Sam Butler,Jr. Secular then gospel singer& guitarist
son of Bishop S. Butler sr.
Specta Records-I Can't Get OVER(Loving you)
Joe Cocker- Civilized man...Capitol Records 1984
Blind Boys of Alabama-1972-1994 Jewel Records,Philly INT.,Messiah,Wajji,and House Of Blues.
Keith Richards-Talk IS Cheap, 1989
Gospel At Colonus Cast-1983 Nonsuch(WBA) The One ENT.Stepping Up Stepping OUT 2009. Clarence Fountain-Sam Butler
Severn Records-Raise Your Hand- 2015
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Sam Butler, Jr. is one of ten children born to Bishop Samuel Sr. and Loretta Butler, in St. Petersburg, Florida. At the age of four, he started singing in church and was playing the guitar at the age of seven. Sam was performing in the The Gospel at Colonus with Morgan Freeman. Sam is an original cast member of this critically acclaimed off-Broadway play.
Sam's smooth vocal style and soulful guitar helped to define the Blind Boys of Alabama’s sound on recordings and in their exciting live performances. For twenty-five years Sam was one of the lead singers, guitar player, arranger and producer for the group. His latest project with Clarence Fountain earned him two Dove Award nominations. As a musician, he has worked with many noted performers in both the secular and gospel communities, including: The Staple Singers, Laurie Anderson, Keith Richards, Dorothy Norwood, Chris Brubeck, Gary Katz, Donald Fagan, Bobby Womack and many others.
In recent years, Sam has turned his attention to other ambitions, The Butler Family. Carrying on a tradition established by his own father, Sam, with the help of his wife Valerie, has put together a fresh and exciting new gospel sound that joins both the old traditional gospel with the new contemporary sounds. The group consists of himself, his wife Valerie, his son, Samuel III, and his daughters, Shamara and Samia. Each of the siblings made their singing debut at the age of two and Samuel III begin playing the drums at the age of four.
Their goal and mission is to spread the gospel through song while inspiring lives. The family has performed as special guest on Tommy Davidson’s Adopted Family Show in Minneapolis, MN, The Gospel at Colonus with Charles Dutton, at New York’s famed Apollo Theater, The Blues Festival in New Orleans, as well as numerous performances local, regional and nationwide.
In recent years, Sam has turned his attention to other ambitions. He has put together a fresh and exciting new gospel sound with family as well as with Clarence Fountain.
Sam was nominated for two Grammy’s, two Dove Awards and an Ovation Award for his latest projects.
Band Members
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