I Know the Truth (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Shirley Caesar (vocals, background vocals); Lejuene Thompson, Nathan Young , Kim Fleming, Russell White, Olivia Mack, Joey Ritchie, Hayley Reed, Gayle Mays West (vocals); Simeon Baker (bass guitar); Gene Conyers (background vocals); Jim Long (guitar); Glen Duncan (fiddle); Derrick Lee (piano); Michael E. Mathis (organ); Terry Baker (drums); Eric Darken, Javier Solís (percussion); Bernard Sterling, Lisa Butts, Donald Gore (background vocals); Tonéx.

Audio Mixers: Sanchez Harley; AyRon Lewis; Alan Litten.

Liner Note Authors: Sanchez Harley; Shirley Caesar.

Recording information: 17 Grand Recording Studio, Nashville, TN; Audio Vision Recording, Miami, FL; Caesar's Palace Recording Studio, Raleigh, NC; Da Crib, Brentwood, TN; Here 2 Hear Recording, Greensborough, NC; Lyricanvas, Nashville, TN; MoJo Recording Phoenix, MD; Quad Studios, Nashville, TN; Reflections Sound Studio, Charlotte, NC; Seventeen Grand Recording Studio, Nashville, TN; Sheffield Recording Studio.

Photographer: Michael Gomez .

I Know the Truth is the first release on Pastor Shirley Caesar's label Shu-Bel, in association with Artemis Gospel. On her 41st album, Caesar incorporates elements of hip-hop, old-school R&B, tender ballads, and, most importantly, her compelling vocals and spiritually themed lyrics. Among the 12 diverse tracks are the warm, yet gritty, organ/choir combo "Every Day Is Like Mother's Day," (in memory of Caesar's mother), the country-flavored weeper "Jail Bird," and the title cut featuring singer/songwriter Tonéx, who has been referred to as Contemporary Christian Music's version of Prince. With the release of I Know the Truth, it's obviously that Shirley Caesar shows no signs of slowing down. ~ Al Campbell minimize