Reviewed by Tony May

Unfortunate bit of timing really, arriving just after my purchase of the classic albums of the old masters Rev. Gary Davis and Blind Willie Johnson. Still mustn't grumble, as contemporary acoustic blues recordings go this sits happily in the "it ain't black, but it ain't bad" category. Sparse arrangements, lashings of brooding tension and of course two of the best, earthy voices in Christian'music. Rob Glickman sat in contributing sizzling dobro and guitar. The blues shows no mercy, takes no prisoners. Having been accosted by the predictable comment, "How can Christians sing the blues?" I assert that a sense of grief and pain should accompany us and that this music as it roars in the guts, has more semblance of real Christianity than much escapist, head-in-the-clouds slop. Glenn Kaiser's original songs sit well with the evergreens. "Shaky Ground" wails and moans, Darrel's aching weeping harp sound hits the spot to perfection on this track especially. So, some meaty stuff. Enjoy, but then check out the originals and discover the roots of most great music.

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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