Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Mississippi-raised singer/songwriter and blues artist Paul Thorn's latest album is very much a return to his roots. Having been brought up as the son of a Pentecostal preacher with frequent visits to neighbouring black churches, Thorn was immersed in the sounds of black gospel and blues from an early age - something that is reflected in this down home collection of sanctified numbers. Recorded at the legendary Sam Phillips Studio (Elvis, Cash, et cetera) and the equally renowned Muscle Shoals, there is something of a timeless feel to proceedings as Thorn's delightfully earthy vocals soak into those famous walls whilst his band back him with deceptive ease. In addition, Thorn has impressively brought in the sizeable talents of the McCrary Sisters, the Blind Boys of Alabama and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band - all top billers in their own right - and their collective contributions add the icing on an already sumptuous cake. Whilst worthy new versions of familiar gospel blues songs like the title track and "You Got To Move" are featured, Thorn has evidently done his homework by plumping for more obscure numbers. As a result, we are treated to the likes of an augmented version of the old hymn "The Half Has Never Been Told" whilst an A to Z rendition of "He's A Battle Axe" is an undoubted highlight and breathes new life into a forgotten gem. A slow-burning take on the O'Jays hit "Love Train" rounds off Thorn's best piece of work to date.

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