Susan Ashton

Item: A Distant Call
Author: Vanessa Crooks

A Distant Call

(1996)

Reviewed by Vanessa Crooks

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Label Sparrow RecordsThe LighthouseFebruary 1997

ccm country pop

Susan Ashton has a voice like butter-smooth, uncomplicated, subtly sweet, and incredibly rich. She could sing the phone book and still sound beguiling. Fortunately, each of the elements on her new album, A Distant Call, are of the highest substance and caliber. For some time, Ashton has teetered between pop and country; with this effort she's found the perfect formula-a blend of the two, peppered with pinches of blues and gospel.

Ashton is a quintessential songstress. Her voice alternately caresses and soars over A Distant Call's textured but tasteful arrangements. On the album opening, "You Move Me," Ashton's notes meld with a full and pleasant mixture of electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, bass, and percussion (written by Gordon Kennedy and Pierce Pettis, this cut is similar to another Kennedy hit, "Change Your World," covered by both Wynonna Judd and Eric Clapton). Blazing through "Crooked Man," her strains dance furtively with the fiddle, Hammond B-3 and full-bodied cadence of this dynamic and provocative parable. However, it's on the ballads that the sumptuous warmth of Ashton's vocals is most pronounced. She expresses feelings of forlornness with such grace and beauty (on "Lonely River") that the overall effect is inspiring rather than depressing. Her singing flows alongside the lush piano and gentle string sections on this piece. Joined by the talented Union Station ensemble (which includes Alison Krauss), Ashton demonstrates the depth and delicacy of her range on "Love Profound." She weaves her soothing soprano through the band's acoustic guitar, viola, and mandolin accompaniment. Truly, the production team (or should we say the "dream team") of Wayne Kirkpatrick, Brown Bannister, and Michael Omartian creates an exquisite showcase for Ashton's amazing ability.

In addition to contributions from songwriting notables Chris Eaton, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Billy Sprague, Ashton herself puts a pen to three tracks. "Blind Side" is a loving caution to keep our guard up, no matter how well protected we think we are ("I did not ready myself/For the blind side"); whereas, "Spinning Like A Wheel" is a pure and enchanting description of what it's like to be in love ("A sweet touch, a heart rush/Now I can't catch my breath"). Possibly the most captivating cut on the album, "Body And Soul," is an anthem of encouragement for anyone who has been tempted to despair by a dark or painful experience:

There's a hope that I see There's a freedom in me There's a comfort in death and in life Knowing that I belong To the Savior who's making me whole Body and soul

Ashton always involves herself in the song selection and direction of her albums, but this is her most direct and extensive participation to date. As a result, A Distant Call has a distinct and personal quality.

Some may dispute the inclusion of two Sheryl Crow songs, "All Kinds Of People" and "Hundreds Of Tears"-taking a "how can anything edifying come from this source" stance. But, I could perceive nothing of a questionable nature in the content of these songs. In fact, I found their style refreshing. They explore spiritual truths, but without the typical religious terminology-a welcome change of pace. "All Kinds of People" challenges its listeners to break free from the past ("Can't go back and undo what's been done") and become stronger, improved people ("Put your fear away, find a better way"). "Hundreds Of Tears" gives a moving testimony to the voice of "hope and light" that calls to us "in the longest days, in the darkest night." Due to the judgmental notions of many conservatives, Ashton has made a gutsy choice here. However, I am confident that anyone who gives these songs a thorough listen can't help but agree to their worth.

Overall, A Distant Call offers something for everyone-well crafted lyrics, a richly melodious backdrop, a variety of musical approaches, and a honey of a voice. Ashton's instrument is irreplaceable and unmistakable-like butter-there can be no substitute. Filled with unpretentious charm and buoyancy, A Distant Call provides an ideal compliment to Susan Ashton's pure and stunning delivery.