On Amazing Grace: A Country Salute to Gospel some of the major talents in country music today give "rootsy" and rousing renditions of great hymns of the faith. This project pays homage to the music that formed and still shapes the country genre-Southern and Appalachian gospel. In fact, what many consider the birthplace of country music, The Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry for thirty-one years, started out as a Gospel Tabernacle. Lending their talent to Grace are: John Anderson, Susan Ashton, John Berry, Charlie Daniels, Billy Dean, Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss & The Cox Family, Martina McBride, Paul Overstreet, Marty Raybon (from the group Shenandoah) and Lari White.
Each performance on Grace is designed to preserve and present the songs in all their traditional glory. The music is infused here and there with hints of bluegrass, old-fashioned quartet harmonies, and pure Southern gospel charm. Hymns included on the album are standards such as "Peace In the Valley," "How Great Thou Art," "Beulah Land," and "Mansion Over the Hilltop." Lari White's stylings on "Amazing Grace" are fit for any church in the Bible-belt during late 1800's and early 1900's. "I'd Rather Have Jesus" by Alison Krauss & The Coxes is reminiscent of those extraordinary traveling family acts that were an integral part of the old-time tent revivals. Ironically, it is the authentic nature of Grace's music which gives the listener a fresh perspective on the power and the truth contained in the lyrics.
Susan Ashton and Billy Dean come together to give one of Grace's more moving moments. Their duet version of "In the Garden" exquisitely blends Ashton's honey-toned voice with Dean's deep timbre. It is interesting to note Ashton's inclusion on this project, because otherwise the album is filled with artists who are primarily mainstream country performers. Ashton did tour this past fall with Garth Brooks and with a "greatest hits" album due out in August and the prevailing country tinges on her last project, one has to wonder if Ashton will do the "Kim Hill thing" and totally immerse herself in the country realm. Another of Grace's highlights comes from a relative new-comer to country, John Berry. He makes "Blessed Assurance" ring with his clear and resonant voice. Indeed, vocal performances don't get much "purtier" than the ones found on Grace.
On Amazing Grace, country music has paid a just and stirring tribute to its gospel roots. Like a well-pieced quilt, this album records the rich gospel heritage from which country music developed.
