Like jam bands? Fond of the bluesier, more gospely elements of alt-country/Americana? Answers of "yes" to either of the aforementioned queries make you a likely convert to The Word. 'Tis therein where members of hot, new-ish blues cats the Mississippi All-Stars, experimental jazz-rock keyboardist John Medeski (the first "M" in Medeski, Martin & Wood), and Robert Randolph, one of the younger pedal steel guitar pickers to be featured on Arhoolie Records' Sacred Steel series of albums highlighting steel players in the House of God Jewel and Keith Dominions denominations. Like some kind of rural trip-hop (sans the pretensions of, say, Beck), The Word's self-titled debut sounds simultaneously ancient and futuristic. What they do to standard spirituals, including "Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning" and "At The Cross," gives the impression of Fat Possum Records getting into the business of making music for rave chill-out rooms. More ecstatic and eclectic are originals like "Waiting On My Wings" and "Untitled." It's all joyous, forward-thinking stuff rooted in deep musical tradition and godly expression, but too far "out there" for soul gospel or CCM communities to readily embrace. Shame, that. They're a Word worth hearing.
Editors' ratings - Doug 4/5, Jason 4/5
