This week I wanted to feature Patty Griffin’s newest release “Downtown Church.”    I was introduced to Patty’s music while studying music at Belmont University.   After 10 years, her recordings and concerts remain some of my favorites so, needless to say, I was really excited about the release of a new album.  Then when I found out that Patty had decided to make a gospel album and record it at the Downtown Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN….oh, this is going to be good!

and it is…!

I love the collaboration on this album.  Almost every track features artists who have joined Griffin on background vocals.  These performances provide a small, soulful choir.  Many of the voices we have come to know on Griffin’s recordings including Buddy Miller and Emmylou Harris.

Do I really need to talk about how Griffin’s vocals were made for gospel?  Between the timbre and range of her voice and her ability to squeeze every ounce out of the meaning of a song, you would think she was created to sing gospel.  And maybe she was.  The mood of this album is like walking home from your best friend’s funeral after having shared a long, full life together.  Only instead of sidewalks, you walk down the aisles of an enormous cathedral while the deep vibrations of these songs surround you.  It’s sad.  It’s hopeful.  It resonates.  It takes you somewhere.

I hope that you will let it to take YOU somewhere.  listen below…and enjoy!

-lewis