Label: Ransom
Blues
In my short time of reviewing music for Gritz I have been ask to review different bands from all over the world but in no release have I found a more universal message then in this fantastic, heavy hitting blues release that just happens to also be all Christian music.
I thought when I heard what it was that there was no way it could possibly be true blues music and still have a Christian message- boy was I ever wrong!
“Honey in the Rock” by Jimmie Bratcher is a amazing collections of songs that take you to all realms of the blues world and you can hear the influences of all the great players from the standard blues song “Doctor, Doctor” to the swing sound on “Do you Know a Friend.” The message of Christ, his love and the safety that he affords us in his arms rings through on the sweet sounding “Everlasting Arms.” I have to admit that after listening to this release it never left my CD player for three days and I found myself switching favorites as each one spoke to me on different days in different ways and that is what makes this such a special CD its what I like to call “music with a message.” This CD features former Grinderswitch guitarist Larry Howard on “Keep On,” “Can’t Get Over It” and The title track “Honey in the Rock.” Howard, these days a contemporary Christian singer himself, produced the album.
After the second day of listening I found myself sing the words to “Honey in the Rock” in some of the most unusual places like the shower or while doing my day job. I found that it was God speaking to me through something I love more then anything, and that’s great blues style music. The words to “Honey in the Rock” start off saying “I don’t know what life has dealt you. I don’t know your pain and trials. All I know is that He promised that all for you he will provide. I don’t know where it’s coming from I don’t know what the future holds but I know the Master of hard places has got it all in his control” -and that speaks volumes in this trying time we are living in.
When you think of Blues most people think of sad love songs or songs about life’s hard times but the song ” Can’t Get over it” proves that blues is a feeling that comings through in both sad and happy songs, and when singing about God’s grace and his love for us the happy has to out weight the sad.
Jimmie is backed by a stellar band made up of Charlie Hayward (Charlie Daniels Band) on bass guitar; Jack Gavin on drums; (also CDB) , Brad Jerkins on keyboard; Rob Sumowski on percussion and Larry Howard on guitar on the above mention tracks.
For ordering info visit Jimmie’s web site and be sure to tell him the folks at Gritz sent you.
By Scott Greene.
**
The upbeat "Doctor Doctor" kicks proceedings off in style and this album, produced by the veteran Larry Howard, reveals US bluesman Jimmie Bratcher's fine vocals, impressive guitar work and ardour for the Lord. Tracks such as the masterful slow blues of "Love Running After Me", the soulful "Everlasting Arms" and some west coast blues ("Can't Get Over It") show the diversity of the blues genre, and the title track itself - an acoustic ballad about God's unchanging faithfulness - comes from the heart of a man saved from a life devastated by substance abuse. A compelling offering of sanctified blues.
By Lins Honeyman.
**
01. Doctor, Doctor (3:19)
02. Do You Know a Friend (4:09)
03. Party Going On (2:20)
04. Everlasting Arms (4:11)
05. Keep On (5:27)
06. Honey In The Rock (4:57)
07. Can't Get Over It (3:44)
08. Love Running (5:21)
09. One Touch (4:00)
10. Hey, Hey (2:53)
**
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