Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

In the '70s Honeytree was a pioneering Jesus Music artist writing songs about her faith in a style akin to someone like Carole King or Joni Mitchell though with more of a country tinge. These two albums are considered to be her best and have been re-released as a double CD. 'Evergreen' was originally issued in 1976 and was produced by Sparrow Records founder Billy Ray Hearn and utilised musicians that backed some major Christian artists of the time. So contributions from Phil Keaggy and bassist Joe Osborn add to the quality here. Songs like "It's Only Right" talks about having a travelling band and singing the Gospel. "Lovely Jesus (Here I Am)" sounds like pure Laurel Canyon and Keaggy's flourishes add a musical richness to the song he wrote. "Mary And Martha" has a poppy feel with great flute and guitar work. There's a lovely version of Larry Norman's "I Am A Servant" which she recorded before Larry got it on vinyl a year later. Many have subsequently argued that Honeytree's version is actually better than Norman's. Another favourite was the comic "Rattle Me, Shake Me" which pokes fun at how Christians who are full of joy can sometimes be mistaken as full of other things! "Searchlight" has a proto disco groove with flowing string arrangements and some great gospelly backing vocals. 'The Melodies In Me' was released in 1978 and it begins with the swinging big band of "The Broadmoor" song which tells the story of how her parents met. There are plenty of autobiographical songs here. "Thief" talks about procrastination whilst "Bittersweet" has a jazzier Joni Mitchell feel to it. "His Majesty Reigns" sounds like "olde" world music. The song is delightful though I keep expecting a band of lute players to walk in! Listening to these two albums, it's clear to see why Honeytree was so popular in the '70s. Her lovely pure voice and honest lyrics make these albums classics of their time.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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