Gospel: Not Just For Believers
Trying to separate a lot of traditional American folk music, particularly bluegrass, from the Christian gospel is like having bluegrass without a fiddle and a banjo. There’s just no point. So many "stars" of the bluegrass scene rose out of community church bluegrass picking parties, and they don’t hesitate to bring the Gospel into their live performances. Despite the fact that I'm more of a secularist personally, I’ve never shied from a good Gospel gathering. There’s something about the glory in the melodies that just cannot be denied. As Kurt Vonnegut said, "The only proof he needed for the existence of God was music."What is so great about bluegrass Gospel is that you don't have to be a believer to appreciate the revelry of the lyrics, the holiness in the harmonies, and the extraordinary dexterity in the instrumental solos. I'll Fly Away is, mostly, a testament to the influence of the church over contemporary bluegrass and country music. Whether its players are singing an old hymn or a newer pop-infused Gospel tune, the arrangements are, for the most part, introspective and reflective rather than forcefully preachy.
Highlights: Sara Watkins, Kortnie Heying, Dolly Parton
On the title track, Kortnie Heying's voice just builds and builds, almost imperceptively, like the clearing of the sky, until seemingly without warning, the sun is high and bright and Heying’s vocals have completely outshined even the impeccable instrumentalists who back her.Sara Watkins' "He Leadeth Me" is more quiet and contemplative than preachy; a slow, simple acoustic guitar behind her, and her own sweet, understated fiddle part at the fore. Watkins' duet with country chanteur Vince Gill on "It is Well With My Soul" is another lovely pairing, contrasting Gill's husky tenor with Watkin’s smooth, soft soprano. Once again, her well-considered fiddle skates inspired between vocals and trickling mandolin moments.
Departing a bit from the bluegrass aesthetic that so dominates the record, Ed Cash comes in with the Randy Newman-esque arrangement for "Uncloudy Day." Dolly Parton’s great "River of Happiness" is delightfully Dolly-icious, and is easily enjoyable whether you’re seeking the Spirit in the melody, or just a lovely tune about the inexplicable beauty of a river.
More For Church Than Casual Listeners
Meanwhile some tunes like Ronnie Freemans’ "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing," while heartfelt, may not be the sort of tune secular music fans will appreciate, as it's not an arrangement that can ring as true outside of an impassioned church service. Heying's "Holy Holy Holy" is similarly arranged, and may not resonate so much with the non-churchgoers, with its biblical language and awkward antiquated pronouns. Conversely, Marty Stuart's rockabilly "Get Right Church" stands up like one of Johnny Cash's late gospel tunes, appealing to God-fearing churchgoers and secularists alike.The ability of Gospel bluegrass and country music to reach out to believers and questioners, alike, is indeed the magic of the music, and I'll Fly Away offers plenty for music fans of all religious and philosophical persuasions.
