Every Good Path

The primary directive for bluegrass gospel music is not to simply entertain, but to invite the listener to experience something personal and spiritual. At the same time, it has to be performed in an engaging and proficient manner to even crack the door open for its higher purpose. The Chigger Hill Boys and Terri have proven themselves in the genre, delivering song after song of solid musicianship that also hooks the heart.

The band’s latest CD, Every Good Path, was released September 29. The music conjures a mental image of a quaint white church nestled in the hills of Tennessee. It would have wooden pews, an “In Remembrance of Me” communion table up front, and a placard hanging on the back wall with recent Sunday School attendance records. On a fall day when the weather is fine and the leaves are just turning, the doors would be left open and the sound of Terri’s voice, backed by a veritable angel band, would ring out into the community. 

The songs are simple and unpretentious. And best of all, practical. A number of bluegrass gospel music listeners are looking for songs they can learn and bring to their own churches. Terri Argot Gore’s original songs are in a reasonable vocal range for most singers. The music is unadorned, not synthesized or overprocessed like some Christian (and secular) music can be. Even her new compositions have the timeless feel of songs we have been singing in church all of our lives.

Written by Mike R. Richards, Anthony Cooper, and Terry Argot Gore, “Nothing Quite As Amazing As Grace,” has already started charting in the top 10 of bluegrass gospel rankings.  “Love Supreme” is another standout on the recording with its haunting melody, featured violin, and vocal harmonies.

From Hendersonville, TN, the group gets its name from a location in Burkesville, KY, called Chigger Ridge, homeplace of the band’s original mandolin player.