JERRY SALLEY 'Gospel From My Grassroots' VJR-2015-CD
We generally question the wisdom of today's Bluegrass artists who fill a new CD with "all original" material, but that all changes quickly in the rare instances when we encounter an amazing craftsman like Jerry Salley, who has a gem of an album here. Webster's dictionary defines "consummate" as "extremely skilled and accomplished: perfect", and that's what this album is in every respect. Salley, of course, already has a great reputation as a songwriter in both Bluegrass and Country circles, and has collaborated with other top composers like Larry Cordle and Carl Jackson (IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, for example), but this self produced record shows him to have a fine, soulful voice as well. The instrumental backing on this all-gospel CD here includes the playing of Aaron McDearis (banjo), Troy Engle (mandolin), Mike Bub (bass), and Rob Ickes (who guests on 8 tracks on dobro), and Dale Ann Bradley assists on some harmony vocals. This is a great "keeper" of an album and Salley obviously knows how to reach and hold the listener. A bit of advice for those who haven't heard Salley's work: save some tears for PREACHER & THE STRANGER, ALL DRESSED UP, EVERY SCAR, and the poignant SAVING GRACE.
JASON ROLLER
TROY ENGLE
AARON MCDARRIS
ROB ICKES
KEVIN "SWINE" GRANTT
MIKE BUB
ERIN SALLEY
BRADLEY WALKER
VAL STOREY
MAGGIE SALLEY
HOW HIGH IS THAT MOUNTAIN
EVERY SCAR
IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW
THE CROSS ON THE RIGHT
THE PREACHER AND THE STRANGER
JUST DRINK THE WATER
MOUNTAIN VIEW MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
SEND THE ANGELS DOWN
HIS STRENGTH IS PERFECT
YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO HOME
I WANT TO THANK YOU