Review

Country fans will be in "country heaven" with this release of church standards by Randy Travis in "Worship & Faith". This totally acoustic recording (no electrified instruments please!) of gospel classics and a smattering of contemporary worship tunes is sure to please the acoustic purist. Violin, mandolin, dobro, accordion, harmonica, string bass country acoustics at their best. The musicianship on this album is outstanding.

In addition to songs of "Christians past", Randy includes current contemporary favorites "You are Worthy of My Praise" (David Ruis), "Open the Eyes of My Heart" (Paul Baloche), "Above All" (Baloche/LeBlanc), and "We Fall Down" (Chris Tomlin), though with a decidedly country bent! I'm a fan of each of these songs. After hearing Randy's version of them I think they are still best heard in the musical style of the original author. However, the guitar solo on "We Fall Down" was really nice.

What a treat to hear Mac Powell of "Third Day" belting out harmonies and melodies with Randy on "Love Lifted Me." I have always found there is great effect when sincere artists from different streams cross-pollinate. It's a dynamic expression of the reality of the unity of the Body of Christ. Nothing separates true worshippers, certainly not musical style and expression.

Blue grass fans will have a foot stomping time with "I'll Fly Away". The mandolin and guitar solos are first rate and the female harmonies are Kentucky blue at its best. There's also a rip-roaring bluesy version of "Shall We Gather At The River" that you won't want to miss and, again, full of great acoustic leads sure to make you smile!

This album is packed full: 20 songs! Most of the cuts are in the 3 minute range (a few longer and some even shorter!). I especially enjoyed the amount of music provided on the CD. Though they moved pretty quickly from one tune to the next, there was no sense of being rushed. Just a nice flow from one song to the next. I was sorry when the CD was over, which is a nice feeling for a change.

Though my roots are not in the C&W genre, I love almost any type of music done well (with the exception of opera! My apologies!) and this album is certainly done well. My roots are, however, in the Pentecostal camp. As I listened to this album, it wasn't long before I found myself taking a trip down memory lane as Randy moved from one gospel classic to another. And without hesitation I can say it was a very enjoyable trip!

Review by Danny Mullins