Reviewed by Tony Cummings

I've long been a devotee of black preachers (it still needs to be fully documented how the classic 'straining preachers' of late 19th, early 20th century black church brought a rhythmic sensibility and musicality to the preaching ministry therefore laying many of the creative foundation stones for both rap and funk). So to encounter a new (to my ears) preaching reverend is always a pleasure. The Rev Cone has a rich, resonant basso profundo voice which rises to an excited and exciting rasp when he gets up a head of steam. What stops me heartily recommending this is that Malaco have decided to put a rhythm section (and even a snatch of the mighty Mississippi Mass Choir) behind the Rev and after a while the effect becomes wearing. The other problem is an exegetical one for seemingly Rev Cone takes for his preaching inspiration a book on ornithology, taking various birds and finding some characteristic of the feathered creature that has a parallel in the church. So we've got eagles - looking down on others; owls - doing things in the dark; woodpeckers - disturbing the peace; peacocks -showing off, etc, etc. Not all the birds are hawks in dove's clothing. There are also sparrows - a bird of trust; and chickens (chickens?) - sacrificing for God. An occasionally surreal album. But fascinating nonetheless.

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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