What happens when you combine a school teacher with a music legend? In this case, you get a gem of a project that is guaranteed to garner critical acclaim from both mainstream and Gospel music purists alike.

Welcome Fred Martin & The Levite Camp to the scene with their debut release, Some Bridges. Martin, a Los Angeles based school teacher, uses Gospel music as a tool to offer hope and provide a safe haven to inner city youth. It’s no surprise, then, that he looks to share this hope with the world.

Martin and crew are no strangers to the industry, having served as background vocalists for such industry giants as Ray Charles, The Neville Brothers and Jackson Browne. It’s only fitting that they partner with heavy hitters such as Jackson Browne and Keb ‘Mo on this 10-track offering.

Browne lends his songwriting efforts to six of the album’s ten tracks, including the socially relevant title track. Browne handles lead vocal responsibilities on “Don’t You Want to Be There” and “World In Motion/Yes We Can Can”, revisiting the vocal flavor of authentic music of days gone by.

The renowned Keb ‘Mo lends his blues touch to the classic Robert Johnson penned “Crossroads”, which is delightfully and creatively fused with the Walter Hawkins hit, “Until I Found the Lord”. The outcome is a Grammy-like performance finally captured on wax. It’s a must hear for true music purists.

Other guest appearances include jazz legend Hugh Masekela (“The Next Voice You Here”) and the Grammy award winning Ozomatli (“Lives in the Balance”).

In addition to major industry partnerships, Martin has amassed a talented group of singers to comprise the Levite Camp. Vocalists Chavonne Morris and Althea Mills are highlighted on the compelling ballads “That’s What He Said” and “These Are They”, which also showcase the stellar vocal arranging of Martin.

Another gem is the medley that features “Message to the Church”, The Word of God”, and the Winans cover, “The Days of Yea and Nay”.

Fred Martin & The Levite Camp have a musical gem on their hands with this release, one that’s worthy to be in your musical collection. Rarely has one album so successfully brought together jazz, blues, rock and Gospel with such integrity and authenticity. Some Bridges, indeed!