Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

As well as being an author, blogger and New Testament lecturer, Belfast-based Gary W Burnett is also an all-round authority on the blues and it's clear that the writing of his latest book, examining the inseparable relationship between the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the expression of hardship and hope found in blues music, was undoubtedly a labour of love. Burnett's expert grasp of early 20th century American history and New Testament theology allows him to expand on how, in particular, Jesus' sermon on the mount spoke to those oppressed by white masters in the Deep South and still challenges us today in terms of our response to the persecuted. Keen to educate as well as challenge, Burnett avoids the pitfall of excluding newcomers to either the blues or Christianity by bringing to life the experiences of the early blues pioneers and their mistreated kinfolk by taking selected lyrics from their songs and expanding on them - effectively giving the reader a portal through which to tap first hand into their lives. Refreshingly, thorny subjects such as blues music's perceived association with the Devil and the ugliness of white domination in the US are tackled head on without sensationalism whilst setting everything to the backdrop of the hope found through Jesus. At the end of each chapter, Burnett suggests some recommended listening from what I suspect is an extensive record collection to further encourage the reader to explore this hugely fascinating and culturally, morally and spiritually significant subject.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.