REVIEW

Hymns populate posthumous Jones album

AP review by Michael McCall

[September 10, 2013]  NEW YORK (AP) -- George Jones, "Amazing Grace" (Bandit/Welk)

The first release of George Jones music following his death in April features the legendary singer on a collection of traditional hymns.

Largely recorded in 2002, "Amazing Grace" finds Jones in full voice and backed by the subtle orchestrations of producer Billy Sherrill, who recorded many of Jones' classic hits in the 1970s and '80s.

Across 12 recordings, Jones performs classics such as "Peace In The Valley," "The Old Rugged Cross" and the title song with solemn reverence, using subtle shifts in volume and phrasing to draw deep emotions from these often-performed standards. Each song features moments that prove why Jones was an unparalleled vocalist.

Sherrill also shows why he was such a great studio match for Jones. Whether it's the quiet piano-and-bass opening of "In The Garden," or how the harmony voices and steel guitar play off Jones in "Just A Closer Walk With Thee," Sherrill's arrangements add depth to the singer's distinctive interpretations.

Many of these tracks were available for a limited time as "The Gospel Collection," which went out of print in 2006. An unreleased track comes from 1994, with Jones warming up for a recording session by singing "Great Judgment Warning" with producer Brian Ahern on acoustic guitar and Marty Stuart on mandolin, with guest vocalists Jessi Colter, Waylon Jennings, Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith and Travis Tritt. It's a stunning closer to a remarkable collection.

[Associated Press; By MICHAEL McCALL]

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