Help Is On The Way

The name of this project could have been “One Legend After Another,” starting with the legendary Doyle Lawson with his legendary Quicksilver. They’re not only among the best instrumentalists of the Bluegrass world, but they’re also unexcelled as vocalists. All the proof we need is in their spectacular a capella take on the Luther Presley classic, “He Made It All Right.” Presley is joined by other legendary writers like Fred Rose, the Louvins and The Easter Brothers. If you don’t know who they are, please do yourself a favor and dip into the history of Gospel music at the Grand Ol’ Opry.
Doyle has done another masterful job of combining the old songs with new ones, all with a positive, hopeful message. One deserving special mention is the spirited “Leaving The Land Of The Dying,” written by Randy Swift. It’s about the passing of a family member into eternal life, and it’s a good-feeling, toe-tapping song with a lyric so insightful in its simplicity, and delivered with such grace by Lawson and company, that it makes any thoughtful listener stop and catch their breath. We have to salute the ongoing contributions of executive producers Mickey Gamble and Chris White at Crossroads Records for their long and, yes, legendary contributions to the Gospel world. Thanks once again to Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver for giving us a chance to call them legendary, and really mean it.

Live It For The Minute

From the first notes from a single guitar and James Cain’s black tar baritone, it’s obvious that we’re knee-deep in real Country. He’s a man of faith, a father, and a heck of a songwriter, teaming with a series of co-writers to fill this great album with story after story, rich with observations on the human spirit and what makes life worth living, just like the title tune, “Live It For The Minute,” and the intense “God’s Whisper.” And James is at his best on the up-tempo numbers, especially “Beat The Train To Memphis.” We also have to credit drummer, keyboardist, and background vocalist Greg Cole, who also produced the album with James. What a couple of talents. In fact, it’s rare that we spotlight a drummer on a Country album, but the drums are exceptional on this project. It’s not the same giant kit on every song, like we hear in so many albums these days. Rather, Cole gives us a variety of sounds chosen to perfectly fit every song, and then places them in the mix with sensitivity. It’s what drums are supposed to be. Do ya miss Conway and Waylon? Then you’ll love this album. What a pleasure for Country fans.

We Weren’t Crazy

You know his story. A Marine. A heartthrob on American Idol, married with children, and an electrifying live performer. Now comes Josh Gracin with his second album, more focused, more personal, and well, more Josh. You won’t find a two-and-a-half-minute song on this album. Every song is a dramatic production, alive with vivid imagery, thrilling stories, and big, big production. Josh wrote the sexy love anthem, “Unbelievable (Ann Marie),” and co-wrote a couple of other tunes on the album. Artist Brett James contributes songs, as well as sharing production of the album with Marty Williams. The result is seamless. There’s something about Josh Gracin that smacks of life lived to the fullest, good times, and good friends, all grounded in Mid-America and solid values.

Sweet Talkin’ You

In an era when it seems that every Country artist is trying to be a songwriter, it’s refreshing to find an album by a truly talented singer who’s smart enough to mine Nashville’s hidden treasures in the search for great songs. She looked outside the lines and found truly fresh and intriguing songs from writers like Rand Bishop and Billy Montana. Heather sure treats their tunes right… there’s a hint of Bluegrass in her velvet voice that makes her at home with the banjo-tinged “Gone With The Rising Sun” and with the rockin’ “Back It Up.” With a nod to producer Bruce Allen, we have to say this is one fine Country album.

Agents Of Change

It’s simply astounding that so much music can come out of just three guys. Aaron Greer is a talented and inventive guitarist, and his mates C. Scott Gilbert on bass and Clarence Grant on drums are just as exciting. Together, the Aaron Greer Band is extending the horizons of Contemporary Christian music with driving Rock ’n Roll, innovative melodies, and inspired lyrics. “I Want My Life To Speak” could be a cry for any disciple, and on songs like “Air,” the band connects with their listeners at the Hard Rock hip. Praise never grooved more than “May Your Glory Move.” And everything on the album is packaged in sparkling lead and harmony vocals.

Skyline Drive

There’s no way to listen to this album without smiling. Sure, there’s a powerful message of salvation. Sure, the close harmonies blend like fine linen. And yes, there are songs that beg for our tears. But overall, what strikes us is the good feeling of the Good News. We’re thrilled to hear a progressive Southern group say that eternal life starts today, as Skyline Drive does in “I’m Already Living Forever.” And it’s easy to resign ourselves to God’s care when they say you always get “Whatcha Need.” “Papa” is about the blessing of having dedicated Christian parents. The album is co-produced by the amazing Michael Lord, of Lordsong, and features just the right blend of instruments for each song, with careful attention to arrangements, and innovative background vocal parts. Pick up Skyline Drive and start smiling.

For All You’ve Done

Russ Murphy is at his storytelling best when he paints a picture of his grandparents singing “Victory In Jesus” in the song “Wood And Steel.” It’s a masterpiece in the folk tradition. While this is a Christian Country album, Russ includes an intimate love song, “Without Your Love,” and a patriotic salute in the dynamic, “Welcome Home, Soldier.” Russ wrote all the songs, and, backed by some of Nashville’s best pickers, delivers them with the personal interpretation that we can only hear from the songwriter’s own voice. Great writing and production accompany this album.

I’m Just A Nobody

It doesn’t get more Country than this. Allen Frizzell went into a studio with a few great pickers, his best songs, plus a few from other writers, and turned out a solid album. Not overproduced with a lot of screaming guitars. Just honest words set to honest melodies, well played, and sung with a whole lot of heart. The title song tells just what it’s like to be a humble servant and receive the best rewards for being “a nobody.” Good listening for fans of Allen Frizzell and the Christian Country music world.

Get Your Praise On

There’s no doubt from the first note that this is Country Rock. Sizzling guitars and dynamic drums drive home the heartfelt lyrics to create a gut-deep Gospel listening experience. D.C. Riggs sings every song like it’s his last, passionate, holding nothing back. Starting with the title tune, “Get Your Praise On,” and continuing with the faithful, tender ballad, “When He Sees Me,” Riggs never lets up. Our favorite on the record is “Somebody’s Coming.” Of course that somebody is Jesus, and this song is an alert for everybody, from those who are lonely, to people in the KKK. It’s an exciting and power-packed album.

Covenant

This is a lady who sings “Jesus, dance on my fingertips and I’ll play your sweet melody.” This is the kind of a sweet voice that wears easy on the ears as it falls light on the heart. This is the kind of album that makes us want to spend a little time with Kathy Joy Bell. Opening with the Cajun-flavored “He Lit The Fire,” (and we’re keeping it alive), she follows it with the gorgeous and intensely personal, “No Fear.” She wrote the whole album, combining some tunes with a Nashville writer. Perhaps the highest moment in the album is her pairing with the multi-talented Greg McDougal for a powerful duet on “His Tears Falling.”