Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Like many blues singers, Ashley Cleveland seems to get better the older she gets and with every release. Blessed with one of the greatest voices in Christian music and with a vocal passion that seems to communicate with a conviction which is able to stir the soul of the listener, her latest 'One More Song' is an object lesson in how to create the perfect marriage between blues, spirituality and tinges of rock. The album is once again produced by her husband Kenny Greenburg whose tasty guitar playing is all over the record. It features a mixture of reworkings of traditional songs and Cleveland's self-penned insights. Particular highlights for me include the opening autobiographical blues stomper "Way Out Of Nowhere" telling the story of how she was captured by the rock'n'roll lifestyle and later escaped alcoholism through God's help. The traditional "Down By The Riverside" has a touch of New Orleans in the brass band that makes an appearance. "Ezekiel 2" is a solo reworking of the song she has previously recorded as a duet with co-writer Phil Keaggy. No Phil playing on this one but her hubby more than takes care of business. There are other traditional songs on here like the medley of "Take Me To The Water" and "Cool Down By The Banks Of Jordan" once again showing how great Ashley is at interpreting songs. The title cut is written by Cleveland and tells a story about her mother and her older sister Betsy. "Walk In Jerusalem" is a walking blues which pounds along in an infectious fashion with an amazing vocal and great guitar work from Greenburg. From start to finish, this is a fine blues-based album packed with passion and energy.

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