Led by Ric Blair (lead vocals, guitar, piano, and bodhran), the Ric Blair Band is a Celtic acoustic rock group. Although they are well known for their high–energy live shows, “Fields of Freedom” focuses more on the meditative side of worship, as evidenced immediately by the haunting ancient feel of opener “Ag Criost An Siol (Christ is the Seed),” with its mesmerizing uillean pipes. “Just As I Am” continues in a gentle mode, with the quietest of vocals and strings. Standout track “Be Thou My Vision” also maintains a slow tempo, which, along with the airy whistles, adds to the sacred feel of this illustrious hymn, building mid-track in gloriously layered vocals and lush electric guitars.
The former host of the 700 Club, Sheila Walsh, actually from a town near Glascow, Scotland, is featured in several interludes reading Scripture passages, to the moving accompaniment of haunting whistles, a very nice addition. The album is notable for its wide diversity. The title track opens with gentle violins, gradually joined by soaring whistles and pipes that add an uplifting air to the track’s soothing rhythms. “He Leadeth Me” has a rich country feel, and others come across with a more traditional flair (“Crosses of Annagh” and the jig feel of “Palm Sunday”). Blair wrote “Alleluia” but Phil Keaggy produced it, as well as playing all its instruments but the pipes, explaining its more straight-up pop-worship feel.
This unique project closes out beautifully with a powerfully arranged and moving rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Ric Blair served as producer/arranger for “Fields of Freedom,” and he gets big Suite props for a job well done.
