Allen Asbury - Somebody's Praying Me Through

Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

Allen Asbury is a new name on the US Christian music scene, and whilst this is his first album, there's a definite mature feel to his singing and his music that belies his recording inexperience. A native of New Mexico, the state that's given us Jaci Velasquez, Fernando Ortega and Sweet Jazz Popeye, Allen studied music ministry at Christ For The Nations College in Dallas, Texas, played Simon Peter on stage for several years in the musical production The Promise and is currently music and youth pastor in a church in Texas. Enough of his biog, what about the music? The sleevenotes on my pre-release copy of the album mention the fact that he was first introduced to Christian music punters by Bill Gaither. May I say that this is NOT, repeat NOT, Southern gospel in any shape or form. Vocally Allen is a cross between Bob Carlisle and Bryan Duncan, with a good dollop of old-time gospel in the mix; the production is good and tight, the songs are cliché-free, and overall this is a confident debut. The standout tracks for me are "In Christ Alone", first heard on Keith Getty's 'New Irish Hymns' album (nice to see US artists recording European material); "All About Grace", a slice of hooky pop-meets-black gospel featuring ex-NewSong member Russ Lee; and the title track, a strong inspirational ballad, which deservedly is on the UCB Inspirational playlist as I write. I suggest that you make a note to investigate this, I don't think you'll be disappointed.