Richard D. Henry – I Had A Little Talk With Jesus

RICHARD D. HENRY
I HAD A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS

Here is a project of original gospel songs by Henry, who has put together a dozen songs that make for an interesting and musical program.

Henry sings lead with a trio of backup singers: Mike Fuller, Tony King, and Gene McDonald. All but two songs feature a quartet with McDonald’s sonorous bass adding depth to the harmonies. There is one solo, “These Hard Times (Are Temporary),” and a duet, “There Is Someone Waiting (And His Name Is Jesus),” sung with Fuller. The approach is down-home and the arrangements are traditional bluegrass. There is no attempt to go up town.

The picking is done by a who’s who of bluegrass session players. Scott Vestal on banjo, Stuart Duncan on fiddle, Mike Bub, bass, and Carl Jackson to name a few. The picking is tasteful and gritty throughout the project, adding to the classic sound of this recording. Henry is a good vocalist and knows how to put a song across. The harmonies are spot on. The playful, “Papa’s Dancing With The Angels” is a refreshingly “up” piece in a time when so many gospel projects tend toward a more serious nature.

If you like the traditional bluegrass gospel like they used to play, don’t miss this fine recording. (Fuller’s Vintage Guitar, 116 North Loop, Houston, TX 77006.) RCB