Disco de George Jones: “The Gospel Collection”

Descripción (en inglés) :

Personnel: George Jones (vocals, guitar); Bruce Atkins (acoustic guitar); Brent Mason, Reggie Young, J.T. Corenflos, John Willis (electric guitar); Paul Franklin, John Hughy (steel guitar); Glen Duncan (fiddle); Gary Prim (keyboards); Michael Rhodes (bass); Eddie Bayers (drums); Louis Nunley, Bergen White, Curtis Young, Mark Ivey, Ray Walker, Michael Black, Gordon Stoker, Millie Kirkum, Sheri Copeland, The Smith Family (background vocals). <p>Although country icon George Jones had made gospel albums before this 2003 recording, both solo and with duet partner Tammy Wynette, this one bears a special significance. The two-disc set of spirituals marks the first time he'd tackled such material since an almost-fatal 1999 car accident. The mishap is said to have put him on spiritual notice, so to speak, and inspired this album (though he'd done some secular work in between). The arrangements, quite appropriately, steer clear of the customary gospel trappings and are squarely in the Billy Sherrill/classic Nashvile mold that suits Jones so well. The man's voice remains a marvel of tone and emotion, and hearing him lay into the likes of "Just a Closer Walk With Thee," "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," and even the ubiquitous "Amazing Grace" is nothing short of heart-stopping. No other country singer can emotionally inhabit a song as fully as Jones, and hearing a lifelong hell-raiser try to mend his ways is doubly affecting.

Another amazing late-career album by the indefatiguable George Jones, whose last half dozen albums have been real gems. Jones's old pal, Billy Sherrill, came out of retirement to helm the production of these two dozen tracks, and it's all top-notch material, striking just the right balance of solemnity and schmaltz. These are mainly old gospel standards, from "Amazing Grace" and "What A Friend we Have In Jesus," along with some newer songs, such as "When Mama Sang (The Angels Stopped To Listen)," all delivered with the seriousness and soulfulness that are George's trademark style, all framed by nice, solid arrangements. Anyone from a true Southern Gospel aficiniado to a diehard honkytonk fan should be able to jump on board with this one. Talk about heavenly!

The urge to conpare the Possum to an old Whiskey is undeniable. He has, like a good bottle of Whiskey, aged wonderfully. The control that time has stolen from george Jone's vocal abilities, has been replaced with character. That's saying a lot for a man whose voice already had more character than pretty much any other country singer out there. These songs are done so nicely. His voice is sincere and strong, and you can feel his faith as he sings. My personal favorites are IF I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again, I'll Fly Away, Just a Little Talk With Jesus and When Mama Sang. I absolutely love this collection. I'm not an overtly religous person, and tend to keep my spirituality to myself, but found myself playing this set in my truck for several weeks straight...and doing so loudy. I made sure my mother had a set too, since she's the one who turned me on to Jones as a child some 37 years ago...one of the best things she ever did for me. If you like good old fashioned gospel songs...this will be a wonderful addition to your collection. If you're just a Possum fan...this will add some diversity to your collection. There's nothing like a sermon preached or a gospel song sung...by a reformed sinner. The relationship with the sin makes the sermon or singing that much better. This is money well spent.

I have been a fan since 1981. I've been through good times and bad times with George. This gospel album is the best. Though I am not real religious, I do admire what he is bringing to us through his music. Once you hear Precious Memories, you will be hooked. May God bless George Jones and may everyone see the light through his singing.

I have many George Jones tapes and cd's and dvd's from America which I can play on my multi-System dvd player. I saw a TV programme with George Jones and Charlie Pride singing Gospel music but could not find a copy in the UK or America until I found George singing gospel on a CD which I could purchase from Amazon in America thank you very much. This is George at his best. I must be one of the few lucky ones to have a copy here in the UK Thank You. Regards Richard Johnson