4 comments about Sacred Steel: Traditional Sacred African-American Steel Guitar Music In Florida.

1. Mention the steel guitar and most likely you will get images of the Hapa Haole music of Hawaii in the 30s, or the twangy sounds of hard country. But there's another side of the steel guitar, one that is not as well known, but is perhaps one of the most amazing roots traditions still alive in this country, the black Pentecostal tradition of the pedal and laptop steel guitar.

   The sacred tradition of steel guitar playing reaches back to the late 20s and early 30s and is tied to the history of the Holiness churches, particularly the Keith and Jewel Dominions of the Church of the Living God, headquartered in Northern Florida. Holiness churches are deeply Pentecostal churches, taking as their primary spiritual tradition the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" which they trace to the second chapter of Acts. Music in this tradition is more than just a pretty decoration for the service. It is a sacrament in itself, serving to open congregants to the power of the Holy Spirit. True Pentecostal music, whether in traditionally white or traditionally black churches is characterized by an infectious rhythmic quality and an ecstatic lyricism based on the spirituals of the south.

   In the Church of the Living God, the steel guitar is the primary instrument of the worship service, replacing the more common electronic organ of most gospel music. This disc presents music from some of the Church's finest musicians. The first 9 selections are mostly instrumentals. Each practitioner approaches his instrument differently, from the almost vocal inflections of Sonny Treadway, to the more modern, jazzy improvisations of Glenn Lee, the youngest musician on this disc. Particularly amazing are the three cuts by Willie Eason, the granddaddy of the steel tradition. He uses his guitar as a backup choir to his own folksy vocals, but intersperse them with tasty fills and blues licks. Most interesting is his original composition, Franklin D. Roosevelt, which is a latterday example of the historical ballad, a form of traditional song which interprets current events through the prism of faith.

   The second part of the disc is the real killer, the live services. Recorded in churches throughout Florida, these cuts offer generous selections of congregational singing, lead by the steel guitar. Many of the selections represent "praise" music, songs of increasingly fast tempo that are meant to raise the spirits...and boy do they ever. Sonny Treadway's This is a Holy Church and Aubrey Ghent's Praise Music are so sanctified that you almost levitate listening to them. The music isn't polished, but that's essential to it's spirit. The music flows without restraint. This music is as wild and free as any that I've ever heard. It is truly spirit-filled!

   So if you are a fan of real down-home Gospel, or a fan of roots music, this CD is a must have. But it is also recommended to adventurous people into edgy jazz or other forms of alternative music. Certainly music like this goes a long way toward helping people understand the spirituality of movements like the avant-garde jazz movement. This is music of the Spirit and as any Pentecostal will tell you...the Spirit frees!




2. A thoroughly captivating collection of one of the most obscure offshoots of the blues/gospel music axis, this disc collects 20 tracks of African-American gospel music as performed on electric steel guitars. The liner notes trace the style back to the 1930s, when steel guitars came into vogue; the performances are by a handful of contemporary performers who come from a Pentecostal church in Florida, where the tradition is still very much alive. Blues, R&B and gospel have always had an interesting Saturday night/Sunday morning interrelationship, and these recordings inject a distinctive "white" country flavor into that mix. This is one of Arhoolie's biggest-selling and best received releases in recent years and when you check it out, you'll understand why. Cool stuff. (There have also been several follow-ups and solo albums featuring the same artists on here, but this is the disc that, to me, seems most magical.)



3. I grew up in North Florida and the sounds and faith behind the words of this beautiful album are a revelation and a confirmation both. NPR uses bits of it as bridge music on their "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition." I think it is because of the essential purity and sweetness of the music. "Little Church on the Hill" is something celestial. It evokes heaven, a place that exists only in time, not on a map. I don't listen to this every day, it is too good for that. I just listen to it in moments, and those moments, like this collection, are too lovely to convey.



4. Being raised in the pentecostal church (Mt.Calvary and House of God keith Dominion). This cd is a reminder of the church services in Mt.Airy, NC. with my uncle on the steele and sweet sounds of the steele, giving direction and inspiration to the church service. GLenn Lee is remarkable,the way he blends country and blues with tradional steele playing. His interpretation of "Pass me not. oh gentle savior" is without comparison, an old gospel favorite, with a country twist. Totally original! Also his own "Joyful sounds" has the uncanny imprint of his uncle bishop Harisson, with a nice twist. Nothing can compare to the old favorite "Franklin D Roosevelt,A poor man's friend", by Willie Eason. Let's not forget the foot stomping "Live religious services on the cd. IF you don't get uplifted by these selections from both Jewel and Kieth Dominions check your pulse 'cause something is definitely wrong. Believe me you will love this cd and be uplifted.

2 comments about Show Me Your Way.

1. You may or may not approve of Campbell's turn to Christianity. Don't let that keep you from this disc. It is a tightly crafted, well produced, marvelously song collection of songs. If you enjoy Glen Campbell, you will love this disc.



2. 1. Greatest Gift of All
   2. Jesus and Me
   3. Where I Am Going
   4. The Wayward Son
   5. Unto the Least of These
   6. Show Me Your Way
   7. This Savior I Sing of Today
   8. A Few Good Men
   9. Where Shadows Never Fall
   10. The Four Horsemen

5 comments about Nightrider.

1. I have been listening to this album for as long as I can remember. Now it is one of my kid's favorites too. Vocal harmonies as well as guitar harmonies are out of sight. If you don't like this recording, then you just don't like Charlie Daniels!



2. This is one of those releases that never sounds tired or dated (at least to me).Perhaps most famous for "Texas" being the opening track to the "Urban Cowboy" movie this cd simply does not have one weak track on it.Favorites for me though are Franklin Limestone (nice storytelling by Tommy Crain with awesome fills to boot)and Birmingham Blues(again wicked fills with some jazzy comp work along with tasty soloing by both Charlie and Tommy). But the icing on the cake is "Funky Junky".I remember the first time I heard it back in '75 from my buddy's newly purchased album,thinking this was the best example of modern boogie I had ever heard(even better than La Grange). To this day this song never fails to excite me, especially Tommy Crain's solo after the keys. This is buttery Dual Pick-up selected Les Paul tone to die for(nice burble on the low notes, sweet chime with a bit of scream on the high notes, Marshall amps with open back cabs) and killer note choice.But like I said every track is strong and Nightrider will I think please any Southern Rock fan.



3. Once upon a time.... The Charlie Daniels Band actually wrote, performed & recorded amazing songs for the Struggling... Average.... Everyday People of the U.S.
   
   This is the best of that CDB era IMHO (although SADDLE TRAMP is awfully close.)
   
   Too bad he took such a RIGHT TURN.
   Just my 2 cents.



4. I am beyond thrilled that the CDB's "Nightrider" has finally been released on CD. I received my copy yesterday and was driving around air-guitaring to Birmingham Blues like a high schooler again- remembering a number of old Philly Spectrum performances back in the days when the CDB still played such big Northern venues. All my CDB (and other) vinyl still follows me through life, but I haven't been able to listen to it for YEARS. What a treat this disc is; no "Bonus" material necessary.
   
   "Nightrider" is the perfect mix of bluegrass, blues, rock, jazz, and country influences that showcase the musical versatility of this group. Also the first album with Tom Crain and Charlie Hayward and listening to the interplay between Charlie and Tommy- wow! Barry Barnes ("Fire on the Mountain" guitarist) was no slouch but Tommy Crain just takes the band to another level. The dual drumming of Fred Edwards and Don Murray is smooth, seamless, and Allmans worthy and moves the music along effortlessly.
   
   If you are a fan of the Charlie Man and don't have this album you are missing perhaps his best overall studio recording. While most revere "Fire on The Mountain"- and rightly so- for my salt, this has always been the superior record that demonstrates the musical versatility that truly defines The CDB.
   
   If you're new to Charlie's music and are one of the millions who simply know him as a fiddle player- boy, are you in for a pleasant surprise!
   
   Best,
   Rick D



5. NIGHTRIDER is sizzling country-rock by Charlie Daniels and his band. Tom Crain replaces Barry Barnes on guitar here, thus creating the CDB's classic lineup. Not only is the playing hot, but so are the songs, which are just as good as anything on FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN. You should buy NIGHTRIDER while you're buying FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN, HIGH LONESOME, SADDLE TRAMP, MILLION MILE REFLECTIONS, FULL MOON, and A DECADE OF HITS.

No comments about Christmas Classics.

5 comments about Force of Nature.

1. This is one of my favorite albums I have ever listened to. It is one of those that actually gets better every single time you play it. The disappointing reviews given by other reviewers simply revolve around the basis of the album not being "traditional bluegrass"- that is not all bad in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I like traditional bluegrass- but let's be honest here: traditional bluegrass never really took firm root by today's standards because all of the songs sounded the same and you grow tired of, or at the very least yearn for something more, listening to the same timing and monotone keyed harmonies. If you understand what I mean, buy this album (or even if you don't understand it buy it) and you will learn why this band is setting the standard for the modern bluegrass revival.
   
   This band has precision, polish, professionalism, excellent timing, vocal harmonies and fire that are unequaled in the music industry today. I repeat- try this album and reward yourself. I will even go as far to say that whenever I listen to this band the clouds part and it actually makes life wonderful no matter what the gloomy situation may be. Very lofty accolades I know, but it happens everytime I play it.
   
   I have taken this to work and shared it with my co-workers and one of them told me that he has since cleaned out his entire CD storage area in his vehicle because this is the only CD he wants to listen to anymore!!!!
   
   Buy this CD and if you don't like it I also guarantee their will always be someone that will want to buy it from you- you can't go wrong. This is one of those deals that is what you might call a "no-brainer".
   
   Spread the word about this great band so that others may have the privilege of enjoying them as well. Have you seen the movie "Pay It Forward"? Share this album and it will make people feel good without it costing you a cent. ENJOY!!



2. I saw these guys live in Telluride this summer (2005), and they were amazing. So I bought the CD, and it is vastly different from what I heard. In my opinion, the songs on this CD are closer to country than real bluegrass. I gave the CD to a friend who also loved their Telluride set, and he just gave it back to me without even listening to the whole thing. Don't bother with this one if you are looking for bluegrass!



3. Bought this after listening to 30 second clips and took a chance. I can't stop playing it. I can't even name a favorite though "Another Day", "Life She's Chosen", "With a Memory Like Mine" and "Soldier's Prayer" are tops on the list. The music is so well put together and the vocal blend is so smooth that I wonder how come I haven't heard of them before, come on people, buy it, listen to it and spread the word. This group needs to play around this country and share their vision. We can all benefit from that. I'd give it more stars if they would let me.



4. This band just keeps getting better and better! On this, their latest effort, they broaden the scope of their music with songs about topics in the headlines every day as well as songs true to their mountain roots.Also the addition of Clay Jones adds yet another dimension to the already diverse sound qualities that make up Mountain Heart. The vocals are always first rate, but somehow they seem even tighter and more heartfelt this time around. If you like great bluegrass music without any pre-conceived titles or boundaries then you'll love this CD. It includes traditional as well as contemporary styles of bluegrass while still capturing the Mountain Heart passion and "sound" throughout. A must have for any bluegrass fan or just a fan of great music. Pick this one up!



5. I saw this band in concert opening up for George Jones last year and I rushed out and bought the cd only to be disappointed. On their cd they don't play the same energetic truegrass that they did in their show. I reccomend buying one of their older albums instead of this one. This Album is far too watered down for a true bluegrass fan's taste.

4 comments about NFL Country.

1. For the most part, NFL players cannot sing, and they know this, so they stick to football (I still cringe when I think about Deion Sanders' BRIEF career in music). In the players' defense, I have a hard time imagining country singers out on the field on Sunday. However, these players prove otherwise. My favorite cut is Jo Dee Messina and Brad Johnson singing "I'm a Survivor" (which Jo Dee co-wrote). Brad has a great baritone going for him. "I Just Can't Live With Myself" (Mark Willis/Rick Tuten), "Brinks Truck" (Randy Travis/Michael Strahan), and "Whatever It Takes" (Kenny Chesney/Peyton Manning) are also surprisingly good performances by the NFL stars.



2. what a pleasant surprise - do right (by me) is easily the best song..



3. Pretty nice CD. I'm a Peyton Manning fan, and it's fun to listen to Peyton and all these guys make music (or fools of themselves:)). Unfortuanately, Brad Johnson and Ryan Leaf are probably the best singers on the CD, with Peyton being the funniest sounding. Overall, definately worth your money. Also a good choice of songs!



4. I bought the cassette version and was blown away by the vocal talent of the NFL Stars. The best song on the Tape was "Do Right(By Me)" By Bryan White and Esera Tuaolo (from the Falcons).

1 comments about Back Roads to Cold Mountain.

1. First, this is not the soundtrack to the Cold Mountain movie. That recording, released a year or so ago, featured talented modern musicians who recreated the 19th-Century music from the film and the Charles Frazier novel on which it was based. Back Roads to Cold Mountain covers much (and more) of the same material, except as it was done by authentic mountain musicians.
   
   With one or two exceptions, these songs and tunes were alive during the Civil War. They survived into the early and mid-20th Century, to be rediscovered by folksong collectors. Most selections come from Folkways' deep archives, ably picked by John Cohen, whose recordings with the New Lost City Ramblers introduced many of us to the Appalachian tradition during the 1960s folk revival and after. Frazier himself, who provides the introduction to the enclosed booklet, explains how this music inspired his novel, set in Civil War-era North Carolina. Cohen's extensive liner notes and annotations are informative and engrossing.
   
   Few of the musicians are likely to be familiar, though names like the Stanley Brothers, Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Roscoe Holcomb, and Tommy Jarrell will resonate with those who have at least passing knowledge of the tradition. The performances are always inspired, sometimes rawly emotional in a way that has vanished from today's music; sometimes a performance may be even a little frightening, for one dramatic example Oscar Parks's angry rant at the conclusion of the ballad "The Battle of Stone River." French Carpenter's fiddle tune "Camp Chase," on the other hand, aches with mournful beauty.
   
   The sound quality, thanks to modern technology, is so perfectly executed that it serves to erase distance between listener and performer. Time and geography roll away, and you're right there on a back porch or a church bench, hearing the ballads, fiddle pieces, and hymns in person. There is a dark magic in this old music, and Back Roads evokes it brilliantly.

1 comments about Inspiration.

1. I enjoyed the cd very much and will continue to do so. I had no idea he had such a lovely inspirational voice.

No comments about Chronicles.

No comments about I Want to See Jesus.