Sleepy Ray

Item: Where The Highway Turns
Author: Steve Timm

Where The Highway Turns

(1996)

Reviewed by Steve Timm

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Label Metro One MusicThe LighthouseFebruary 1997

blues rock soul worship

Sleepy Ray [McDonald] got his start playing guitar in Chris Lizotte's band, Soul Motion. Now he has his own band, The Mighty Blood. He is the guitarist, Bobby McDonald plays bass, and Kevin Jarvis plays drums and percussion. McDonald produced this album and the band wrote all the songs (except for the cover of "God Is So Good"). Additional contributions come from Higher Calling, providing background vocals, and Chris Lizotte, who plays some acoustic guitar.

As might be expected, this album is heavy on guitar work of the electric blues variety, with a strong touch of soul. Even if nobody was singing, this would make an incredible instrumental album on its own. But the album does have lyrics, and good ones too. McDonald turns out to do a fine job as a blues vocalist as well.

No doubt McDonald's close association with the Vineyard Christian Fellowship has contributed to the atmosphere of worship on his album. These songs are all songs of worship and witness. The first part of the album are songs sung to God-"You Are My Answer," "It's A Loving Thang," and "You All Along" all talk about the continuing love of God. Then the lyrics shift to themes of commitment and surrender to God. "You've Gone Bitter" is a call to those who've been too bitter to open to Jesus for refreshing. The title cut is speaking with the voice of Jesus:

Would you die for Me 'Cause I have, I've done died for you Or will you be what you want to be And let your soul die with the truth

"It's Only Tuesday" is the only song in which McDonald sings the blues. The lyrics talk about the spiritual high that comes on Sunday and how quickly one can get down afterwards. The project then closes out with a traditional praise song, "God Is So Good" (but with original words and music added).

This album would be good to share with any friends that are blues aficionados. For churches that have a contemporary worship service, some of these songs could easily work as worship songs. Sleepy Ray has done an excellent job creating an album that is a coherent musical and worship experience.