Brian Free and Assurance moved to a quartet line-up last summer when Brian hired former Statesmen, Bob Caldwell to cover bass duties. With former Gold City keyboardist/producer, Garry Jones handling production and keys on this new Assurance album along with a roster that includes two former Gold City vocalists in Brian Free and Mike LeFevre, comparisons to Gold City are probably in order. Fans who were fond of Gold City's sound about five years ago will again enjoy the sound of Brian Free's distinctive tenor voice ringing out over the full harmonies of a quartet on 4 God So Loved. To briefly compare each group's newest project, Gold City's Preparing The Way explores a couple of styles not often utilized by quartets (like vocal jazz), whereas 4 God So Loved sticks to well traveled paths in terms of styles. Otherwise, the two albums are very similar in format and sound. The production on 4 God So Loved is crisp and meets today's CD quality standards in terms of mix, arrangements, and instrumentation. Vocally, Assurance has a full, rich blend in homophonic sections, and the solos are expressive and convey each song's message in a meaningful manner. The decision to move to a quartet format is one for which Brian Free can be commended.
A few arrangements stand out above the others because of the efforts of the respective songwriters. Mike Payne placed his tongue firmly in his cheek when he penned "Don't Be Caught Dead Without Jesus," a song that features the new bass singer, Bob Caldwell. Other notables include an a cappella version of the familiar Henry Van Dyke/Ludwig Beethoven hymn, "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee;" Ronnie Hinson's "You've Got His Word;" and the modern country arrangement of Daryl William's "The Seed Of the Righteous."
Dave's favorite song from this project is "Jesus Came Out Alive," written by Don Baltziglier. It begins in a minor key as the text recounts the despair of the disciples at Jesus' death, shifts to major at the announcement of the Resurrection by Mary, returns to minor as Thomas doubts and finally back to major when he sees Jesus and believes. The chorus rings out:
Jesus came out alive and the darkness ran away. The light in the tomb dispelled the gloom when Jesus rose that day. The place where they laid Him is empty. No power could keep Him inside. He holds today the keys to the grave. Jesus came out alive!