Plug 'n Pray Band - God Is Groovin': Rhythm 'n Praise
STYLE: Blues RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 9622-9280 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album
Reviewed by Paddy Hudspith
The brainchild of Hamburg-based British producer Neil Quinton, this German release is less a band effort, more a collaboration of like-minded musicians and vocalists fulfilling a collective vision. As the sleevenotes testify, the aim is to bring Saturday night groovin' and Sunday morning worship a little closer together. So 'God Is Groovin'!' collects 14 Quinton-penned and produced tracks in a definite Blues Brothers/Commitments style, and the album itself is making something of a noise in the independent German CCM scene. Even studio-based between-song banter is included for our listening pleasure. Often vocalists Love Newkirk and Hanjo Gabler will share a Bible verse which inspired the upcoming number, or just encourage one another to get on down! Both have great sets of pipes for this stuff; there are classy Tina Turner-style flourishes to Newkirk's contributions and both are to be found riffing and improvising all over the shop. Neil Quinton himself also handles lead guitar duties and the man can definitely shred; at times he brings a latter-day Gary Moore to mind, rockin' the blues hard. Undoubtedly this is a ministry for the band with no label or sponsors behind them; interested parties can download lead sheets, backing tracks and "singable German lyrics" from www.plugnpray.com. Highly recommended for old-fashioned blues/R&B fans.
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