Kevin Max- The Blood Review

Artist: Kevin Max
Title: The Blood
Website: http://www.kevinmaxmusic.com/
My Space: http://www.myspace.com/kevinmaxtheblood
Style: Gospel
Label: Infinity Music Distribution
Rating: 9.2 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

On The Blood, Kevin's third solo release, he takes a break from rock to journey into his passion for soulful Gospel music that itself serves as the roots for much of today's rock music.

 

Kevin says that, "...It has taken me almost two decades to come full circle and realize how Gospel music has inspired me and influenced my decisions in music. The Blood is not a classic hymns cover project or a white/homogenized version of black gospel or soul music. It's a sensitive and stylized adaptation of the music that was at the root of rock, blues and popular culture. The Blood is about the story of Redemption and Grace, found only in the blood of Jesus Christ."

 

Kevin has also enlisted the help of many fellow artists on this release. The guest vocalist include, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Chris Sligh (American Idol finalist), Joanne Cash, Ashley Cleveland, Erica Campbell (Mary Mary) and a dcTalk reunion featuring Max and former band members TobyMac and Michael Tait.

 

Kevin also got help on the musician side from, William Owsley (guitars, bass, engineering, all production) Bobby Huff (drums), Wookie (drums),  John Fields (sitar, absynth, jukebox hero bass), Phil Madeira- B3, organ, national guitar), Vince Gill (guitars), John Painter (horns, hiphop bass) Ashley Cleveland, Judson Spence, Kim (keys- BGV's).
 
The Blood starts and ends with old-time gospel music. The first track is, "The Old Rugged Cross" the song is set against the sound of an old record player with its static noises. The last track, "One Way- One Blood" featuring Joanne Cash also ends with those same sounds. On both of these tracks Kevin's deep booming voice has a very Johnny Cash like sound to them.

 

There are so many good points found on this release that it would take too long to mention them all but here are a few of the highlights:

 

Track-2 "The Cross" featuring the dcTalk guys starts slow and then really rocks it out. I enjoyed the sitar parts found on it.

 

Track-3 "Run on for a Longtime" featuring American Idol finalist Chris Sligh. This song has a real soulful rock feel to it with the horn parts. You might have heard this one already since it's the first radio single off of The Blood.

 

Track-4 "Trouble of the World"- any song with the Hammond B-3 in it can't go wrong.

 

Track-5 "I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole" features some good swamp blues music.

 

Track-6 "Up Above My Head I Hear Music" This is a upbeat country western top tapper featuring Amy Grant and Vince Gill.

 

Track-7 "They Won't Go When I Go" is a soulful piano ballad that deals with the tribulation.

 

Track-8 "The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power" another soulful gospel song with the B-3.

 

Track-9 "People Get Ready" The 1965 single by The Impressions and written by Curtis Mayfield has to be one of the most covered songs around. It has been covered by everyone from Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, U2, Aretha Franklin, and Phil Collins to John Denver, Taylor Hicks, and Alicia Keys to name just a few.  This version features Erica Campbell from Mary Mary. I liked this cover that stayed pretty true to the original song. I also enjoyed the guitar solo's found on it.

 

When asked about the songs found on The Blood Kevin says, "One of the reasons the songs on The Blood are so important is because they represent the answer, the medicine for the ailments. I love the significance of Christ's blood as something that empowers us- it can literally change us. I know I am changed, and God has given me another chance to live a life that is full and without fear."

 

I really liked this release and it's ability to take black gospel and blend it with other styles to achieve its traditional Gospel yet fresh sound.

 

While the official release date for The Blood isn't until December 26th you can preorder it now at Kevin's web sites.