Reviewed by Ian Webber

From the Memphis influenced "Pray For Me" to the fun New Orleans feel of "Green Bananas", blues-singing preacher and author Jimmie Bratcher reveals his credentials with this diverse and mature set. This, Jimmie's fifth studio project, features some excellent guitar playing and a tasty collection of horns and keys. Lyrically the album leaves you in no doubt that Jimmie writes from the heart and with honesty, reflecting some of his own hard life experiences. Influences of Eric Clapton can be heard in the guitar work on the album and the smoothness of Jimmie's voice is a match for any city blues artist. I would, however, have liked to have heard a rawer delivery on tracks such as the dobro driven "Elijah's Road" and "How Far Down". The Kansas-based evangelist and blues man continues to follow in the steps of Larry Howard as a credible blues guitarist who allows his faith and hope to shine through a solid set of songs. This is certainly worth a listen by any blues fan.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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