Reviewed by Stella Redburn

Rogers has made a success of so many genres, including jazz, folk, country and pop and has recorded 24 number one singles and 12 number one albums. His sweet baritone voice, with just enough rasp to make it interesting, is instantly recognisable, but it is his ability to tell the story that makes him so popular. Here he pleasantly hearkens back to his childhood in Texas when his mother sang along with the country radio station and his father would play fiddle on the porch. Church featured heavily in their life as they went three times a week and songs like "Amazing Grace" were his favourite there. It's his personal favourite on this album, too, and he is joined by a fantastic tenor saxophone (Denis Solee) and the White House Chapel singers to present a memorable version. The album successfully mixes old favourites, which are given a traditional country or bluegrass treatment, with more contemporary songs, which have a modern arrangement. The opening track "I'll Fly Away" has classic bluegrass violin and banjo and beautiful vocal harmony from The Whites. Many of the songs feature guest vocalists. "Circle Of Friends" was originally a song that Point Of Grace had recorded. Rogers liked it so much that he "did the unthinkable" and asked them to join him on his version of their song. This song leads neatly into the Carter Family tune "Will The Circle Be Unbroken". Slightly bluesy with an interesting rhythm. I love this old song and it's good to hear Kenny's version. We get an unashamed setting of the old chestnut "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and Kenny is experienced enough to get away with it. He makes a brave decision to sing completely unaccompanied for two out of three verses of "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms". It's very touchingly done and I feel it should have been the last song on the album. The more modern songs are less well known but work so well with the fantastic multi-layered production provided by Warren Hartman and Kyle Lehning. "The Rock Of Your Love" is soulful, "Peace" is a big ballad number with sweeping strings and "Grace" features a children's choir. The album is serene and full of hope and a testimony to a lifetime of experience.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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