Radio Days
Mountain Home, 2021
8/10
An outfit whose origins go way back to the 1930’s, though the members of Chuck Wagon Gang have come and gone, what has remained the same is the the band’s meshing of country and gospel in their sacred and old fashioned formula.
“Two Gardens” starts the listen with gorgeous vocal harmonies in a calm, warm setting of timeless gospel song craft, and “The Record Book” follows with sublime, expressive singing that runs parallel to the spiritual angle of the album opener.
Further along, “Holy Be Thy Great Name” layers the many vocals with much charm in its flawless execution, while “Somebody Called My Name” gets playful as the male baritone vocals make an impression amid the retro climate. “Take Me Back To Col-Ler-Rad-Da Fer To Stay”, a tune that deviates from gospel and one of the album’s best, lands where country and western ideas meet, and do so with much agility.
Near the end, “I’ve Changed My Mind” moves swiftly with religious wordplay that is heartfelt and genuine, and “I’ve Just Seen The Rock Of Ages” exits the listen with the band’s inimitable stamp on the classic tune that is filtered through their vintage sensibilities.
Today’s version of the Chuck Wagon Gang includes Melissa Kemper, Josh Garner, Darrell Morris, Scott Owenby, Penny Shelnut, Justin Owens, and Shay Smith, and they certainly are keeping the time honored tradition of this institution alive and well with these new recordings and selections from the 1940’s and 1950’s.
Travels well with: Lonesome River Band- Singing Up There: A Tribute To The Easter Brothers; The Alex Leach Band- I’m The Happiest When I’m Moving