It seems there comes a time in the lives of many established artists when they feel that they must record an album of hymns or spiritual songs.
For some it’s a new beginning, for others it contributes just another way of releasing an album.
As many of the religious offerings are songs we have heard over and over again on similar outpourings it conjures up a taste of musical deja vue.
I have to confess to being slightly sceptical of the new release from Kenny Rogers entitled ‘Faith’ whereby Kenny takes on a similar mantle.
Not so however for this release, as he has chosen a great selection of songs.
Some may be classed as standards, however there is nothing wrong with that as he and his musicians friends have put the ‘Roger’s’ stamp on both old and new songs.
Traditional songs like ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘I’ll Fly Away’, ‘What A Friend We Have In Jesus’ and ‘Will The Circle Be Unbroken’ are all honed to perfection with great musicianship, harmonies and the ‘Roger’s smooth delivery.
Songwriters Vince Gill, Beth Neilsen Chapman, Michael MacDonald and Al Anderson have all contributed their talent whilst Point Of Grace, Winfields Locket and The Whites add to the production as guest artists appearing on vocal accompaniment.
Kenny Rogers says, “It is the culmination of an idea I had been thinking about for years but never had the opportunity to bring to life. It seems I have a personal relationship with every song on it. For example ‘In The Sweet By and By’ was my mom’s favourite song. When I was a kid, as I was leaving to go to school,I remember hearing her sing along with the radio. Music is by far the best ‘memory creator’ I know, and that memory is very special to me”.
It’s one of the best offerings of its kind that I have heard in a long while…but there again no matter what he sings Kenny Rogers can make it his own.
For a taster join me from Saturday on the American Connection country show on www.euvue.co.uk as I’ll be playing three tracks when it takes up the Album Of The Week slot.
Kenny Rogers Faith Humphead Records Catalogue No HUMP 124