Disco de Brenda Lee: “Gospel Duets With Treasured Friends [Remaster]”

Brenda Lee rarely records new material these days, but she has no need to. With a lifetime of achievements to her credit, Brenda has provided plenty of great music for her fans to enjoy. As I write this review, most of her fifties and sixties music has been re-issued on CD, but Brenda's country music fans still await similar treatment for her music of the seventies and eighties. Meanwhile, this selection of gospel songs will provide those fans in particular with a lot of pleasure.

Brenda was into her sixties when she recorded this album, but still in fine voice. Yes, the voice is a little different from how it used to sound, but it is still recognizable as Brenda Lee. Most of the songs are country gospel classics, while most of the guest singers are much-loved country singers, though in both cases there are surprises.

Among the songs, the biggest surprise to me was the inclusion of This ole house, which provides the perfect album opener. I remember it as a bouncy, up-tempo fun song as performed by Rosemary Clooney in the fifties and Shakin' Stevens in the eighties. Both of those covers were UK number one pop hits in their time and deservedly so, but I never thought of it as a gospel song. My research revealed that writer Stuart Hamblen wrote it as a memorial to somebody who had died, leaving the house unoccupied, so he didn't intend it to be a gospel song either. However, a gospel group eventually recorded the song with (it seems) modified lyrics, so I listened closely to Brenda's version, but I think she and Dolly sing the original lyrics. Sill, it's a great song, they sing it superbly and it's my favorite among the tracks here, all of which are excellent.

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George Jones joins Brenda to maintain the upbeat tempo with Have a little talk with Jesus, then the pace slows for In the garden, a superb duet with Alison Kraus. Many other fine duets follow featuring a variety of guests on mostly familiar gospel songs. A high standard is maintained, closing with Oh happy day, on which Huey Lewis is Brenda's duet partner. Huey has previously guested on country albums,, appearing on among others, so his appearance here is not a total surprise, but he and Brenda sing this song well.

There is no original material here, not even any obscure songs. Every song here is likely to be familiar to anybody considering buying this album, It is the performances that make the album worth listening to, because it is clear that Brenda and her guests enjoyed recording these classic songs.

A great CD as advertised. I love it. Arrived in perfect condition. I would not hesitate to recommend this CD to anyone else.

Brenda Lee still has the pipes and shows it with her friends on this CD. I thoroughly enjoyed it and do every time I play it. If you're in the mood for some good gospel music from a well established singer with some top notch friends, then this is the one to pick. It's definitely a winner.

Enjoyed the Brenda Lee Gospel Duets. Don't know much about her but know all the songs, and enjoyed the mix of singers. Songs were peppy and fun to sing along with.

I have all of Brenda's gospel cd's she sells one of just her at her concerts. It is a wonderful cd and I love listening to the hymns especially the way she sings them. IT is great!!