Heritage & Hope
Pinecastle, 2021
8/10
The family band Williamson Branch return with a double disc effort, where the Hope portion offers inspiration and optimism, while the Heritage half are songs that will already be familiar with most church-goers.
“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” starts the listen with the band’s incredible vocal harmonies alongside bluegrass friendly string work, and this formula continues to the soaring mandolin of “There Is Power In The Blood”, as well as the soothing “When I Die I’ll Live Again”.
Other highlights from disc 1 include the emotive and stirring “I Just Steal Away And Pray”, while the breezy melodies of “Where The Roses Never Fade” are difficult to forget. “Oh, How I Love Jesus”, a late highlight on this portion, then adds some gospel spirit to their passionate delivery.
Disc 2 leads with “Which Train”, which is a busy and lush display of timeless bluegrass chemistry, and “Walking In The Spirit” follows with a sublime mix of pretty female vocals with deep male singing. Further down the line, the string acrobatics of “The Light Of His Love” flows with intricate and memorable songwriting, and “I Am Fearfully And Wonderfully Made” offers a playful and glorious disc 2 highlight with children handling the vocals. “Every Time He Held A Nail” exits the listen steeped in gorgeous balladry that radiates a tremendous amount of beauty.
As always, Williamson Branch are nothing if not harmonic, spiritual and precisely penned, and their country, gospel and bluegrass meshing is still some of the best of its kind.
Travels well with: Dale Ann Bradley- Things She Couldn’t Get Over; JB & Jamie Dailey- Step Back In Time