Mountain Heart – The Journey

Even before the release of their 1999 debut, the members of Mountain Heart were looking forward to this, their first all-gospel collection. So were fans of the band’s polished but heartfelt eclecticism, and their patience has been rewarded with an elegant set that builds on the strengths of the earlier release.

The Journey covers a broad range of styles, from contemporary ballads such as “The Scars In His Hand” through the straight-ahead, midtempo drive of “What A Time In Heaven”. The fine quartet bears the imprint of Doyle Lawson, with whom band members Steve Gulley, Barry Abernathy and Jim Van Cleve logged time before forming Mountain Heart. Older traditions are represented, too: The modal melody of “The Hill Lone And Gray” complements the African-American-influenced a cappella stunners “The Gospel Train” and “Travelin’ Shoes”. Alan Perdue, who has since left the band, handles the mandolin, while both current bassist Jason Moore and his predecessor, Johnny Dowdle are present, as well as an occasional guest.

Perhaps the most notable difference between this album and its predecessor lies in the enhanced vocal abilities and role of banjoist Abernathy. Long a skilled harmony singer, he has rapidly matured into a convincing lead singer who can effectively balance Gulley’s soaring tenor. The group was already strong enough to win 1999’s IBMA Emerging Artist of the Year award; it’s now even better, and The Journey provides the proof.