Search - Various Artists :: True Bluegrass Gospel

... and 1/2 .... The bands sing & play to touch, encourage a

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 05/22/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 56:14 -- We are seeing more and more labels create concept and thematic compilations from their extensive catalogs of recorded archival and previously released material. In 2006, Rebel Records put out "Feel Like My Time Ain't Long," a 15-track a cappella gospel collection that drew pre-released material from 1971-2005. Now, "True Bluegrass Gospel" presents twenty classic favorites from the likes of Ralph Stanley, Rhonda Vincent, Country Gentlemen, Seldom Scene, Paul Williams, Blue Highway, Larry Sparks, Phoenix, Forbes Family, Jim Eanes, Marshall Family, and others. With the majority of the material drawn from traditional sources, the product is well anchored with the supple fare that makes up Rebel's stable. A bluegrass gospel disc is not complete without standard favorites like I'll Fly Away, Angel Band, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Working on a Building, and Amazing Grace. From their 1977 "The Lifeguard" album, The Marshall Family's a cappella rendition of "Amazing Grace" actually appears on both of Rebel's recent 2006 and 2007 gospel compilations. The other half of "True Bluegrass Gospel" gives us a taste of bluegrass gospel from more contemporary songwriters. These relatively new offerings are becoming a standard part of a vibrant bluegrass gospel genre. Unlike the 2006 release, however, "True Bluegrass Gospel" does not provide sufficient liner notes with musician credits listed for each song. In addition, it would have been nice if "True Bluegrass Gospel" would have listed the album references for each song's original release by Rebel. Apparently, this 20-track album spanning nearly an hour was conceived with a limited budget in mind.



Many bluegrass bands excel in their presentation of stirring and inspirational gospel songs. Ralph Stanley always felt that he could put more into the gospel, and he hoped it would make a difference to others. Stanley once commented that he felt that he was doing both himself, and his audiences, some good with gospel messages. I look for happy, uplifting songs on a gospel compilation, and I like to hear an emotional attachment and indication that the bands believe what they were singing. "True Bluegrass Gospel" will not disappoint. The bands sing and play to touch, encourage and motivate us. For decades, these artists have been working on a building for the Lord. With many excellent artists to select from, producers Dave and Mark Freeman chose a nice overview of both "true" and truly heart-warming songs that celebrate the spirit of God. "True Bluegrass Gospel" is a splendid set of spiritual Christian guidance sung reverently with delicate and refined bluegrass accompaniment. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

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Great job shipping and Handling. Great price! Recommended

William C. Brooks | Fort Worth, TX, USA | 11/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Very good old-timey music, with amazing presentation by the best artists. Great product and for those who love gospel bluegrass, you won't find anything better anywhere!"

CD

K Mundell | 01/06/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My husband loves it as soon as he got it he took out to his pick-up and listened to it."