Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

The debut release from New Orleans-based gospel blues outfit the Big Black Bible Blues Band features eleven tracks penned by founder member and pianist Hal Leath with the aim of bringing light and hope to people by telling them of the salvation found through Christ. A keen evangelist, Leath pulls no punches lyrically with tracks like "WhaChaYaGonnaDo" and "Devil's Work" telling of the dangers of not turning to God in straight up fashion whilst the spoken word "Goin' Home" - charting the salvation of a prisoner on death row - is truly striking. For most of the release, David Dunkley features on lead vocals and does a fine job backed by Leath, guitarist Bill McCormick and a whole host of others with the likes of the title track and the prodigal blues of "Sho Shuda Stay'd (Rollin' Like A Train)" showcasing the calibre of the band. Elsewhere, guest vocals from Laurelle Terrero and Leath's wife Lauree on "Capsized" and "All Is Well" respectively add some variety to this fine sanctified blues offering.

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