There were variety shows on TV many years back. It was very simple. Once a week, you’d have a host, and an ensemble cast performing various musical numbers and comedic skits, with a guest star or two helping move things along. In the early days of these shows, namely the 1950s through the early to mid-1960s, not all, but some, would feature the host singing a gospel song at the show’s end. This was also the era when mainstream artists made gospel music available alongside regular music at your local department shop.
Then, let’s fast-forward a few more decades. Boomers who grew up with such artists and shows are only able to recall the memories of their grandparents. It is difficult to convey to millennials the attraction of Tennessee Ernie Ford’s music. It’s best to just leave it at that.
You can also bring the old music back to life with a new album.
Mike Roe, of The 77s and The Lost Dogs acclaim, has drawn from his lengthy series of Saturday evening streaming shows with 77s bandmate Bruce Spencer and assorted guests to, under the 7&7iS moniker, assemble Hymnshow.
Hymnshow is a collection of Americana hymns written for and sung in rural churches long before the Americana music genre emerged. Roe, his co-stars end their shows with a hymn. I had an idea. Why not make some in the studio? It’s warm magic.
An album like this could easily turn into hokey sentimentality or kitsch. Roe manages to avoid this trap using several methods. Roe believes everything he says. The second method is through the album’s musical approach. Roe is an accomplished guitarist who, when electric guitar is required, transforms his blues-infused licks into a sophisticated, rockabilly-related, Chet Atkins-like lead sound. It does a great job of making music sound authentic, without trying to imitate the sounds sixty-five years ago.
Backing arrangements consist mainly of an unadorned acoustic guitarist, occasionally adding mandolin touches. They are supported by steady bass and simple, plain-speaking percussion. Roe’s vocals are respectful without schlock, and he is unafraid to add the occasional affection where suggested. It is a record of color and depth. Hymnshow never strays from its intended course of breathing life into hymns fallen into disuse in today’s church music world, one in which praise and worship songs invariably follow the pattern of U2 meets Coldplay, and they both lose.
Was ist das? Hymnshow also demonstrates is the simple yet not simplistic lyrical depth of these songs. It doesn’t matter if the topic is God or a girl, and there aren’t any questions. There are also no fluffy warm fuzzy feelings of life under a cotton candy canopy. Preaching the Gospel of Christ crucified, risen is possible. They are full of depth. These songs are for and about people who believe fervently. These songs echo in the midst of urban chaos, calling home His people.
It’s fitting Hymnshow has been released just before Christmas, as in its presence, Mike Roe and compatriots have given us one of the most soul-satisfying presents imaginable. RedState is a daily journal that chronicles the follies and madness of a global society. Reminders like these should be a source of gratitude for all. Hymnshow that there is no need to despair regardless of how insane things appear. Jesus still reigns over the kingdom, and anyone who’s read The Good Book is aware that He will prevail in the end.
Mezzo Music Ltd. can order the album.
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