Then it just became a matter of getting together. They were all so busy that finding a time when their schedules would mesh was a challenge. But, eventually, it all worked out. They went into the studio in May for the CD, which is now hot off the press. "We felt an absolute power in the recording process," said Dean. "We came from diverse backgrounds. We had never played together. But once we got behind the studio doors, it was like we had never not played together. It was really a great experience."

"It was a blast," said Bailey, adding that it was amazing that such different people could come together and have such a good time. "It just shows how music breaks down barriers. Very few things have so universal a language."

When he lived in Europe for four years, "there were people who didn't speak any English. But they knew the words to a lot of American songs."

Bailey has always felt the power of music in his life. "I wanted to be a musician even before basketball." Bailey's most recent solo CD, "I Am Not The Same," goes back to his own roots. "I've tried to modernize, to add my own flavor to some of my favorite R&B songs. It's been received really well."

He's also busy with corporate and church speaking assignments, and he co-hosts "Jazz Tonight" on KJZZ-TV during the basketball season.

Dean made a huge splash on the country music scene in the early '90s with such songs as "Somewhere In My Broken Heart" and "Billy the Kid," and he has continued to be a much-in-demand singer and songwriter. He does a version of his latest single, "Let Them Be Little," on the CD.

He grew up singing in church, "but this is my first full gospel CD." The album includes songs such as "Amazing Grace," "How Great Thou Art," "In The Garden" and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus."

Dean's favorite song is "I Am A Child of God," which "was new to me but had such a simple, powerful message."

Goldstein enjoys "how well Billy and Thurl complement each other." And, he promises, "their personalities are going to come through at the concert. It's a wonderful dream come true to work with these guys."

For Goldstein, this marks the 35th CD of his prolific career, and he feels it is something special. "It just shows how, despite diversity of background, music brings us completely together."

"We just want to make a difference," added Bailey. "Whether it's through music or sports or the spoken word, we know we have a purpose here."

---

If you go

What: "Friends & Brothers," Marvin Goldstein, Billy Dean, Thurl Bailey

Where: Sandy Amphitheater, 9400 S. 1300 East

When: Saturday, 8 p.m.

How much: $12-$20

Phone: 568-2787

Web: www.sandy-city.net

---

E-mail: carma@desnews.com