Touch Me, Lord Jesus by Jessy Dixon

Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

Jessy Dixon is one of the most prolific of current gospel singers, with more than 20 albums to his name spanning many different genres. He's been through traditional black gospel, R&B gospel and even CCM, ending up here with a slightly unusual blend of country and Southern Gospel with a hint of an inspirational balladeer a la Keith or Steve Green. This is the latest in the Gaither Gospel Series, produced by Bill Gaither and Michael Sykes, and features the usual high quality musicianship and expressive soulful singing both from Jessy and choir. He manages to get your body swaying even if this may not really be your thing. However, it does sound a little formulaic after a while both on the gospel side (Hammond/piano openings, answering choirs) and the traditional country side (guitar and fiddle) although it could be argued that the combination of these is not so much of a regular formula! There is something about gospel music that connects with people in a way other music often doesn't, and that infectiousness is certainly present here - lyrically the songs are brimming over with love for Jesus, the things of God, our Christian walk (". . .and when I learned how to lose, I found out how to win.") and our final destination, heaven ("I'll put on a crown and walk all over God's promised land/Oh glory, what a wonderful day/I'll join the song of the blood-washed throng while the ages roll away"). Whether you love gospel and country music or not, I challenge you not to tap your foot or nod your head while listening to this!