Alan Jackson: Alan Jackson (vocals, guitar); Gary Prim, John Wesley Ryles, Keith Stegall, Melodie Crittenden, Brent Mason .
Personnel: Brent Mason (acoustic guitar); Gary Prim (piano, organ); Keith Stegall (piano); Ali Jackson, John Wesley Ryles, Melodie Crittenden (background vocals).
On 2006's PRECIOUS MEMORIES, country superstar Alan Jackson ventures into gospel territory, offering up a set of warm and inviting faith-themed songs. These spare tracks feature no percussion and rely almost solely on piano and acoustic guitar, allowing the focus to remain on Jackson's resonant vocals and the songs' devoutly Christian lyrics. Although praising Jesus is clearly the core of this album, the beautifully minimalist renderings of spiritual classics are so soothing and pleasant that the disc's appeal is sure to extend to fans of Jackson's secular music, particularly on "Softly and Tenderly," which is enhanced by gentle organ lines, and "I'll Fly Away," here given a light, jaunty bluegrass feel. The resulting atmosphere evokes images of the Georgia-born singer/guitarist sitting in on a friendly, open-air church service, leading a sing-along of traditional numbers such as "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You."
Professional Reviews
Rolling Stone (p.94) - "Alan Jackson sings in a rich, restrained baritone that helps give even his rowdier songs a touch of classic-country elegance. That voice is at its most sensibly sturdy on PRECIOUS MEMORIES..."
Entertainment Weekly (p.103) - "The delivery of these old church songs is solemn, the accompaniment sparse, and the historical value real..." -- Grade: B+
No Depression (p.132) - "The arrangements rarely extend beyond stately solo piano or guitar, the harmonies sound homespun and familial, and Jackson's vocal subtlety has a self-effacing humility in the face of a higher power."
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Reviews
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This is a beautiful album, with every one being a winner. These songs, and their arrangements, perfectly suit Alan Jackson's voice and singing style. Even for those who are not believers in an ultimate supreme being in general, or Christianity as the specific expression of that being, Precious Memories can provide an uplifting listening experience. The songs are timeless, in that they address universal human themes, perhaps one of the reasons they have enjoyed such an enduring popularity over such a long period of time: that and the excellent melodies that are the musical vehicle for their expression. This is very beautiful and touching music, performed by a very accomplished artist. If you are looking for inspiration, comfort, and a meditative experience, this is definitely an album that will not disappoint you. As for the deal offered by Fishpond, $13.07 with free delivery, this represents awesome value. At the time of writing this review, BigPond Music is offering this album for $15.35, and that is only as an MP3 download. To be able to obtain it as a tangible product, providing not only a reliable storage method, but also a far higher quality of sound, is a truly amazing opportunity to extend our music library. Thank you Fishpond for providing Australian's with the ability to purchase high quality products, at very reasonable prices.
Beautifully delivered. The arrangements never overpowering the words.
More than just songs - but prayer.
Have song many of these in Church and Alan's singing reflects that these are more than just songs but messages of hope.
Loved it.
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