Downtown Church

Artist: Patty Griffin
Label: EMI/Credential Recordings
Genre: Contemporary

By Debra Akins, contributing writer, gmc.com

Country/folk singer Patty Griffin has fashioned an eclectic collection of gospel songs on Downtown Church, her seventh studio album, but first gospel recording. If you're at all familiar with Griffin's music (if you're not, you should be), then you know that the listener is in for a special treat whenever a new project comes around from this acclaimed singer-songwriter - and this time is no different.

Recorded live at the Downtown Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Downtown Church was produced by veteran guitarist Buddy Miller, who could not have been a more perfect choice. Under Miller's direction, Griffin finds the perfect blend between black gospel and Southern gospel, and is astounding in her simple, understated delivery of such standards as "Wade In the Water," or "All Creatures of Our God and King," along with more non-traditional selections like "Waiting For My Child," Hank Williams' "House of Gold" or "Virgen de Guadelupe."

Of course how could Griffin miss with vocal support from a cast of characters such as Emmylou Harris, Raul Malo, Jim Lauderdale, Shawn Colvin, Mike Farris, Buddy and Julie Miller as well as Regina and Ann McCrary, whose father was one of the founding members of legendary gospel group the Fairfield Four. Downtown Church is an album you must listen to in its entirety and without distraction, so that you can take in all of its subtleties and hidden gems.