Reviewed by Phil Thomson

Any young person might find it difficult to grasp the groundbreaking effect of a line up which was in its hey day more than half a century ago. The Chuck Wagon Gang sound defined a generation and set the standard for the close-harmony gospel tradition - bass, alto, tenor, soprano all in their rightful place and delivered with caring, missionary zeal, an acoustic guitar or two and a double bass. Some 70 years on from those pioneering days, nothing has changed; it is still syncopated rural hymnody and it still draws the crowds. The appeal is so strong simply because the music is uncomplicated and memorable - and the message is as uncompromising as ever. You'll find upbeat, heart-felt songs of trust, hope and redemption, with just a hint of holding on for glory. How did it all start? 20 years of radio shows broadcast out of WBAP, Fort Worth, Texas, beginning in 1935 established the Carter family style - which is, to this day, reprised in concerts featuring the song which started it all, "The Son Has Made Us Free". This is "Master The Tempest Is Raging" territory, "There Is Sunshine In My Soul", "I'll Live On" and songs which post-50-year-olds might well have sung at Sunday School, such as "Sunshine, Sunshine". Not to everyone's taste, but for those in the know, a gem.

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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