Judicial use of Hammond organ cords and wah-wahed guitars accentuate
this impressive sophomore project by Thom Shumate. Given that Shumate,
interestingly, is a minister with a Nashville inner-city mission called
Cottage Cover as well as a musician, it is no wonder that real ministry
and life experiences are evidenced in his lyrics which demonstrate his
ministering heart. Maybe that's part of what helps this release avoid the
cheesy so common to Nashville music. The songs here all sound fresh, though
one progressive folk rock tune reminds me of The Eagles. Add an impressive
array of guest vocalists, including Susan Ashton, Lisa Bevil, Aaron Benward,
and Erin O'Donnell, and fans of inspirational music have a winner here.
Shari Lloyd 9/4/99
