The gospel spirit fills the history of country music... For many country and bluegrass fans, the constant Jesus-isms can be a real turn-off, yet, like many kinds of religious music, it can bring out amazing, powerful performances and an emotional conviction that is rarely matched in secular pop culture. I'm hardly a preacher man, but there is some of this stuff I love, and having had the opportunity to hear a lot of country gospel over the years, I decided to take the chance to share some of my thoughts and impressions of the genre with y'all... Ready? Here we go!
Charlie Daniels Band "Steel Witness" (Sparrow, 1996)
Charlie Daniels Band "How Sweet The Sound" (Sparrow, 2002)
Charlie Daniels "Songs From The Longleaf Pines" (Blue Hat/Koch, 2005)
Jimmie Davis -- see artist discography
Skeeter Davis "Hand In Hand With Jesus" (RCA, 1967)
Absolutely wonderful -- one of the all-time best Skeeter Davis best albums, and one of the best country gospel records you're ever likely to hear. This is due to the intersection of a couple of pleasant factors, particularly the fact that neither she nor the RCA producers felt the need to push things musically, as they did on her more "pop" material. Thus, Skeeter's easygoing sincerity and matter-of-fact affection for the material is perfectly matched by the simple, relaxed arrangements. Nice use of her whole multitracked vocal routine, too.
Jimmy Dean "Hour Of Prayer" (Columbia, 1957)
Jimmy Dean "Hymns By Jimmy Dean" (Columbia, 1960)
Jimmy Dean "Jimmy Dean's Christmas Card" (Columbia, 1965)
Jimmy Dean "Most Richly Blessed" (RCA Victor, 1967)
Jimmy Dean "Inspirational Songs" (Curb, 1998)
Little Jimmy Dickens "The Old Country Church" (Columbia, 1954)
Dry Branch Fire Squad "Golgotha" (Rounder, 1986)
Founded in 1976, the Dry Branch Fire Squad is the brainchild of mandolinist and raconteur Ron Thomason... Over the years the group has been recognized as a cultural reservoir for Appalachian traditions, earning recognition from the Smithsonian Institution and various other guardians of the public good. Unfortunately, these first few albums remain out of print on CD, but with diligent effort, you may find them on vinyl out there, somewhere. This is an all-gospel outing that won a place on the Smithsonian's list of essential American recordings...about as fine an old-timey/bluegrass gospel set as you're likely to find.
Dry Branch Fire Squad "Memories That Bless And Burn" (Rounder, 1999)
Another all-gospel album, with craggier-than-usual vocals and somber-themed songs. On the solo numbers, Susan Thomas sounds, for all the world like good old Hazel Dickens, while the full group harmonies are quite sweet. If you like the old-fashioned bluegrass gospel style, this disc fits right in that spirit.
Holly Dunn "Full Circle" (OMS/Holly Dunn Enterprises, 2003)
A self-released gospel album... Available through Dunn's website at www.hollydunn.com
Hick Music Index
cd = 04/05/05