Ultimate Bluegrass Gospel
Pinecastle, 2022
8/10
Listen to Ultimate Bluegrass Gospel
The Pinecastle label brings their Ultimate series back, and this time it showcases 10 instrumentals that interpret legendary Gospel tunes via Tony Wray and Tim Crouch’s meticulous performances.
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus” starts the listen with chunky banjo, before stirring fiddle enters the warm climate, and “In The Garden” follows with soothing acoustic guitar that emits much beauty in the breezy demeanor that’s a bit twang friendly.
“Softly And Tenderly” occupies the middle spot, and it’s both of those things in a very intimate way, while “Life’s Railway To Heaven” flows with meticulous string interaction via the timeless bluegrass flavor.
“Pass Me Not” and “Sweet Hour Of Prayer” exit the listen, where the former radiates a dreamy quality in the emotive musicianship, and the latter exits with a bare and absorbing tone that instills a reflective mood.
Some of these songs go back to the 1800’s, and a few you’ve probably heard before, but never quite like this. Pinecastle did take a 9 year break from this series, and this return will be sure to please those with an ear for gospel influenced bluegrass.
Travels well with: The King James Boys- Walk On Faith; Route 3- Losing Time