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Artist: Jason McGregor
Label: independent
Length: 9 tracks / 32:52 minutes
Pilgrim is the debut CD for Australian acoustic guitarist Jason McGregor. As such, it is predominantly an instrumental album with one exception – his voice features on his bluesy take of the gospel classic ‘Wade in the Water’. He’s got quite a voice and I’d like to see it featured more on future releases.
I first met Jason and his wife Jody (the track ‘Abi’ is dedicated to her) at the very first gospel concert put on by the AIM (Australian Indigenous Ministry) Peoples Church in Cherbourg, Queensland (Australia) in 2005. At that concert he performed a great cover of Australian artist Rick Price’s ‘River of Love’ song. (Please include this on your next CD Jason.)
Five of the CD’s nine tracks were composed by Jason himself – the remaining four are well-chosen covers. The title track "Pilgrim" (a personal favorite of mine) is an autobiographical track reflective of where God has taken Jason both spiritually and geographically. All believers are pilgrims on a journey that has various twists and turns – and so does this piece musically-speaking. "Josie" is a great cover of the Steely Dan tune. "Cannonball Rag" is Jason’s solo arrangement of guitarist Merle Travis’ tune. (He performs it as a tribute to him.) The final track "Emire" is Jason’s musical interpretation of the Hebrew word for "peace."
This CD showcases Jason’s flawless playing. He’s assisted here and there by fellow guitarist and producer Michael Fix, bass player David Jones, and percussionist Suzanne Hibbs. The production is clear throughout. Jason is only 23 years of age and he’s definitely going places musically. This CD is for you if you enjoy the more acoustic sounds of Australia’s guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel (whom Jason cites as an influence on his website) or America’s guitarist extraordinaire Phil Keaggy.
PS. If you purchase this CD, just be aware that the track listing on the back cover is wrong – go by the CD booklet insert.
Frank Rasenberger May 31, 2006
