Most blues fans are familiar with Arhoolie Records. For over forty years, they have brought worldwide attention in recording (historical preservation) authentic Blues, Cajun, Tejano, Zydeco, Country (the real thing-forget it Clint!), jazz, and international/world music. Check out their 139 page catalog: a perfect-bound high quality paperback. I can't think of a better resource tool in the business for music lovers. The gospel section lists five recordings by "Sacred Steel." This recording is the sixth; recorded live: March 31-April 1, 2000, at Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida. Gospel music isn't about religion, it's about faith and praise. If you listen to the earliest masters and go forward into the current contemporary scene, the undertones of gospel can be felt in the vocals as well as the string bending solos. And if you are a fan of slide guitar or player, give this recording a whirl. There are familiar classics on this outing, such as: "Since I Laid My
Burden Down" / "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" / and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee." My personal favorite is track #6, "Train Don't Leave Me," with Aubrey Ghent on lap-steel and vocal. Check the guitar opening on track #9, "See What The End Gonna Be!" I can't remember which British rock group used the same opening for a monster hit-but it's there, nonetheless! Highly recommended.
This review is copyright © 2001 by Dick Houff, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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