CD Reviews

Gerald Crabb - Poems, Prayers & Promises

Producer: Gerald Crabb/Bubba Smith
Label: Independent Release
Website: http://www.geraldcrabb.net

Those who miss the "old" Crabb Family sound from the days when Gerald was with the group will love this new solo release from Gerald Crabb. Country to the core, with some soulful sounds mixed in, this is an excellent solo effort from one of Southern Gospel's all time great songwriters.

Starting off in typical "Crabb Country" fashion, Gerald belts out the lyrics of the opening tune, "CHANGING LOCATIONS", and is joined by Jason Crabb on the second verse. This is a highlight of the recording and is a great lead off song as well.

The black gospel feel of "IF THAT MOUNTAIN DON'T MOVE", which is also the first single release from the recording, will no doubt be a favorite, as will "CAN'T SING THE BLUES NO MORE", which changes the musical mood to more of a blues (BB King) feel.

Three strikes on the steel guitar, and we're ushered back to that classic Goodman sound. Formerly recorded by the Wilburns back in 2003, "HOME AT LAST, FREE FROM SIN" features Gerald totally within his element and is a true highlight of the recording.

Gerald switches back to "Black Gospel" mode with "GOD'S GETTIN' READY" before slowing things down a bit with the country, fiddle infested tune, "THE OLD RUSTY ANCHOR", which Gerald wrote with his wife, Debi.

The rockabilly sound of "STILL SMILIN'" gives way to the soulful, bluesy feel of "HOLD ON" before things take a turn back towards "Crabb Country" for the energetic "THE OTHER SIDE", which features an excellent duet with Chris Freeman. This also is a major highlight of the recording before things close out with the medium tempo, "THE DARK SIDE OF GRACE".

Gerald is joined with a host of singers doing background vocals including his kids, Jason, Aaron, Adam and Terah as well as Libby and Tracy Stuffle, Joyce Martin, Sheri Easter and several others. When comparing "Poems, Prayers & Promises" to his previous release, "Roads that I've Traveled", this recording has a much better feel to it for me, and I think that this new recording is more indicative of who Gerald Crabb is musically. I really like the graphics of the cover, and the song selection, tracks, vocals, etc. are all what one would expect from Gerald Crabb.all the makings of a great recording.

Personal Favs: CHANGING LOCATIONS; IF THAT MOUNTAIN DON'T MOVE; HOME AT LAST, FREE FROM SIN; HOLD ON; THE OTHER SIDE