Blue Highway – Wondrous Love

Blue Highway’s albums and live shows have always been anchored by strong gospel material, much of it performed a cappella. Wondrous Love continues in that vein, combining traditional material from A.P. Carter, Bill Monroe and Jimmy Martin with originals from band members Shawn Lane, Tim Stafford and Wayne Taylor.

This trio alternates lead vocals, with banjo player Jason Burleson and dobro player Rob Ickes providing textured harmonies. Sonya Isaacs makes a guest vocal appearance, as does the Nashville Bluegrass Band’s Alan O’Bryant (who also produced the album).

Stafford’s contributions stand out for their soulfulness. Lane’s “Ahead Of The Storm” and “It Won’t Be Long” sound as if they could have come from the catalog of Stanley or Monroe, while his prayerful “I’m Asking You” and Taylor’s “Seven Sundays In A Row” take on a more contemporary flavor.

Regardless of the source, the music is consistently solid. From the layered choral harmonies of the title cut to Ickes’ reverent instrumental treatment of “The Old Rugged Cross”, this is a record that affirms more than it preaches.