Joanne Cash

“Gospel”

ACME Music Group

15 tracks @ 55:39

Grade = B+

            Given that back in the 70’s she spent four years singing on the “Grand Ole Gospel Time” show at the Grand Ole Opry, it’s no surprise that Joanne Cash’s 28th release harkens back to those times.  The disk also has some of the last recordings she made with her brother, the late Johnny Cash.

            Johnny’s spoken word description at the start of “When He Comes” puts the listener right there with Johnny to see what inspired him to write this song.  I would love to hear someone do a stripped down version of this song.  I also enjoyed their duet on the standard “Softly and Tenderly.”

            Joanne is in strong voice on “Glory Glory,” where she sings of “growing up in that little delta town,” and “Jesus coming to take us home.”  “I’ve Got Jesus” is a nice up tempo, bouncy song.  “Why Not Tonight” employs some reverb on the vocals but is another nice tune.

            With the use of the slide guitar on nearly every track, there’s a certain level of sameness to this disk.  However, fans of the old-school gospel sound should really enjoy this fine record.  As Joanne says, “there was one short phrase from Johnny that’s always stuck with me and it’s one I’ll continue for as long as I’m here; ‘Baby, just keep on singing.’”  I, for one, hope that she does.

www.joannecash.com

Rob S.