Reviewed by Simon Eden

There are certain iconic words that link directly to stereotypes, so consider the title of track one "Mississippi-Louisiana Line" or the mention of the Appalachian Pass ("17 US States") and you know where you are going. Not jazz or blues but bluegrass. This is Americana folk music with complex acoustic guitar and banjo plucking with a fiddle taking the melody. But there is a difference. Michael is actually a Pastoral Theology professor and it shows in the lyrics. There are not many people who would dare to use "Eclogue" (meaning pastoral poem) in a song title. "Mississippi-Louisiana Line" is a retelling of the classic Prodigal Son story, but set in New Orleans from the perspective of an unplanned child of the wild Father. "The Gadarene" is a southern gospel melancholy lament while "Let The Children Come" is a simple Sunday school lullaby. Renowned CCM man and author, Michael Card appears on lead and backing vocals on the song "God Is Calling Faithful Men" and he accurately describes the professor as "a shepherd leading his flock with song." Michael has used the songs as a vehicle for his pastoral training and Christocentric ministry, such that they show the heart of a man, not hiding behind an academic philosophy but expressing the care of a shepherd through his music. Fascinating stuff.

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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