Reviewed by Greg Sammons

Mr Carns is a one man blues band who has previously been swooned about in Cross Rhythms with his albums 'Revelation Blues' and 'G Force' bringing forth fulsome praise from Mike Rimmer, who nailed this CCM maverick's gravel-voiced vocal style as "a modern day Blind Willie Johnson meets Howlin' Wolf." Clearly Rimmer's enthusiasm was appreciated; there's a song here dedicated to Mike, or as he's called on the sleevenotes. Michael 'Memphis' Rimmer! Perhaps this bias is why Rimmer didn't get this review? This man's passion, grit, authentic blues, power and gorgeously guttural voice take no prisoners. Like good rock, this recording is packed with emotion, power and intensity. Unlike rock, Gypsy achieves this simply through his dobros (guitar) and his voice. It would seem that this gospel journeyman has been sticking to this brilliantly basic formula for quite some time and the experience is reaping dividends musically and spiritually. He may just be as important and as influential to this generation as his predecessor Blind Willie Johnson was to his, so let's make sure he gets heard!

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.

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