New and Traditional Bluegrass Gospel From Joe Mullins

Jan 25, 2011
Diane Amov

Bluegrass Gospel From Joe Mullins - Courtesy of Amazon

Resonant vocals and appearances by Ralph Stanley and Doyle Lawson make for exciting new bluegrass gospel from Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers.

On the heels of last year's Rambler's Call, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers have released a worthwhile new bluegrass gospel CD entitled Hymns From the Hills. The band's robust vocals take center stage as they are joined by bluegrass gospel royalty.

Traditional Bluegrass With Ralph Stanley, Doyle Lawson and More

Listeners will want to put their headphones on for "Rock of Ages Keep My Soul", an a capella number that finds the vocal quartet so in sync that they could rattle a listener's ribcage. Versatile guitarist Adam MacIntosh, who contributes the album's opening track, as well as lead and baritone vocals elsewhere on the CD, provides a rock-solid bass line.

The band adds the previously-unrecorded first verse to "Fallen Leaves", which listeners may know from recordings by Grandpa Jones and the Primitive Quartet. Joe Mullins' lead vocal makes this the most soulful track on a CD that's chock full of soul. Yet another ribcage rattler, "Fallen Leaves" is augmented by Evan MacGregor's honeyed fiddle.

MacGregor's emotive fiddle work also accents the solicitous lyrics of "We Missed You in Church Last Sunday", a fine vocal trio with guest Rhonda Vincent alternating between full-throated lead and tenor.

Paul Humphries, better known as Paul Williams, sings a fine lead on "Hold on to the Old Gospel Way" which he co-wrote with Joe Mullins. Mullins adds Louvin-style harmonies for a tasty duet as his sweet, bluesy banjo licks propel the tune. His picking gives a stylistic nod to J.D. Crowe, Williams' band mate in the classic lineup of Jimmy Martin 's Sunny Mountain Boys.

The children's choir from Mullins' church kicks off the Sunday school chestnut, "Jesus Loves Me". Thanks to the simple, unsentimental trio singing from the Radio Ramblers and Ralph Stanley's ragged-but-right readings of the verses, this version is anything but saccharine.

Larry Sparks contributes his patented soulful vocals to "Come On", a barn-burner which offers urgent encouragement to Christians pursuing a life of discipleship. Sparks also proves a welcome addition to "That Little Old Country Church House," previously recorded by the Masters Family and Flatt & Scruggs. Dale Perry guests, anchoring the tune with a thrilling bass vocal for the kind of gospel quartet that finds this band at its best.

An Instinct for Inspiring Bluegrass Gospel Songs

A love for traditional tunes combined with a sharp eye for promising new material is essential to any bluegrass artist, and Joe Mullins has them both in spades. He has uncovered a treasure trove of new and neglected songs for Hymns From the Hills.

"Fair Weather" from the pen of Mike Ramsey (Brand New Strings) takes its awe-inspiring text from the Book of Job. The lyrics highlight the contrast between an infinitely majestic God and His ability to tenderly care for us in the midst of suffering.

Josh Caterer's "O the Love of My Redeemer" is another a capella ribcage rattler with an age-old feel, even though it was penned in 2008. The moving lyrics testify to the power of God's faithfulness and Jesus' sacrifice to inspire gratitude and devotion through good times and bad.

Written but never recorded by the Louvin Brothers, "I'll Never Go Back" is a tune that Mullins and guest vocalist/mandolinist Doyle Lawson both learned from the recording of one of the Louvin's live shows. They capture the Louvin's distinctive style of duet singing and playing perfectly.

Solid Bluegrass Gospel From Joe Mullins

"Sweet Hour of Prayer" gets a welcome country gospel treatment from the rock solid Radio Ramblers vocal trio. They're joined on the luminous third verse by Paul Williams and Rhonda Vincent. Less is definitely more on this contemplative album closer, guaranteed to leave listeners clamoring for more bluegrass gospel from Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers.

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