Johnny Cash, Ultimate Gospel
(Columbia/Legacy, 2007)
Curt Collins, self-titled (FSS, 2007)
Gregory Paul Smith, I Can Live Again (KTC, 2007)
Christafari, To the Foundation (Lion of Zion, 2007)
Gospel music, and Christian music as a whole, comes in as many colours and shapes as do the churches that all claim to worship the same God. The one true God. They all say that, and then won't speak to their neighbours down the street. Here are four examples of recent albums, each seeking to use music to spread the good news, and each doing it in a unique voice and style.
Johnny Cash never hid the fact that he was a believer. He wrote a novel based on the life of Saint Paul, and made a film about the life and death of Jesus, but he'll always be the Man in Black. His last completed album was called My Mother's Hymn Book, a collection of songs he recalled from that hymnal. The Ultimate Gospel album is a collection of songs from all parts of his long career brought together in a snazzy black package to 'cash' in on the current interest in everything Johnny ever did. The quality of the 24 songs is hit and miss. The album starts with one of JC's (that's Johnny Cash's) recitations, "Here Was a Man" which tells the story of the other JC (that's Jesus Christ), who he was, what he did, and what happened to him, in a quick synopsis of all the details. Told in Johnny's sonorous voice, it is rather compelling, but one wonders how many times you're going to want to hear it. The orchestral backing is just there to hold the whole thing together and let you know when it's done. Track two is "The Preacher Said 'Jesus Said'" which starts with some familiar guitar, quickly picks up Johnny's boom-chicka rhythm and moves along nicely until Billy Graham interupts with the spoken word in place of a chorus. Many of the songs are originals, others are traditional gospel songs, and some are drawn from the tradition of country music-based gospel tunes, "The Great Speckled Bird," for example, or "When the Roll is Called Up Yonder" which are essentially choruses to sing at tent meetings. Luther Perkins is represented by his fundamental guitar picking, and Marty Stuart shows up taking Cash guitarists into the virtuoso category. The Carter Family appear on "He Turned the Water Into Wine" and others, June Carter duets with Johnny on "Far Side Banks of Jordan." Even Mother Maybelle shows up playing autoharp. It's an altogether interesting collection, but not one that might get the most play when you search for a representative Johnny Cash album.
So from almost 50 years of Johnny Cash's country gospel to contemporary country gospel and beyond, Christian music goes wherever it needs to to reach an audience.
Curt Collins, his bio says, is not one of those "guys who entered the music industry just to puff up with fame, stoke his own ego or amass the riches that a hit single can cultivate...he wants to serve others...and [be] a source of hope for the hurting." And he does it by making an album that sounds like any of a number of recent Nashville releases. Ringing electric guitars, lots of harmonies, and a solid rhythm section. And actually some pretty decent tunes. He says his music is for "the church and the unchurched" and sure enough the songs are sometimes vague, hinting at his beliefs, other times more obvious especially if you know what to look for. "I Will Worship" is of the latter type, a ballad with an Eagles feel. The opener "On and On" has a bit more of a socially conscious lyric. Both approaches work. The musicianship is good throughout. You find yourself singing along with Collins's catchy hooks, and there some quite appealing guitar sounds, too. Jamie Slocum produced, and deserves kudos for the fine sound.
Gregory Paul Smith was a member of Christian rockers the Mars Hill Band. He also was an All American Jazz Trombonist. On I Can Live Again the former is displayed more than the latter. He has a strong clear voice, and writes thoughtful songs with a beat that talk about modern life and the answer to life's questions. That's the Christian answer. He's more up front about his message than Collins, and has a more modern rock sound. Guitars, both electric and acoustic, heavier drums (than Collins'), and more textures create a compelling sonic surface. The songs have plenty of hooks and draw the listener in. This album grew on me with each playing, but not so much as the last disc under review today.
Christian reggae? What next?
Christafari has been doing this for a long time. And man, are they good at it! (Oh, by the way, it's pronounced "Christ-ah-far-eye".) The promo material calls this their "rootsiest effort to date," and when I played it in the car I had to crank it up, mon, and dig dose riddims! De bass and de drums, mon, was cookin'. I'm not kiddin'! Kidding, I mean. This is authentic reggae rhythm with a clear gospel message. Mark Mohr and his band have performed at the Olympics and for the President of the United States; they've been together since 1989, they've been on the Reggae Sunsplash Tour and have released many albums over the years. Avlon Blackman, Mr. Lynx, and a host of others guest, but it's the band that captures the groove and the feel of genuine reggae and dub. The message is right out there, but then reggae is a music for proclaiming Jah, anyway. This band proclaims Jesus' name. "Take a freedom step, we're steppin' out of bondage!" You can't help but feel this down at the base of your spine! Turn it up!
That's it. The Word is Love! However they play it!
