Soul Stirring Jack Scott

Jack Scott needs no introduction to followers of the “charts.” The great warmth and power of his singing voice has propelled many a song into the “top hit” category. Here his vital talents are leagued with the soul stirring exuberance of sacred songs that have long captured the American imagination and fancy. Backed by The Chantones, Jack instills a dramatic spirit into the snappy, modern rocking beat, that will elicit expressions of pleasure from any listener. He has found a new orbit for these spiritual evergreens – one that illumines the devotion and inspiration of The Lord, through an uptempo musical styling that everyone can understand and enjoy. When The Saints Go Marching In finds Jack bursting forth with “day of triumph” overtones, supported by a rhythm-quickening “bye and bye” chorus from The Chantones. Swing Low Sweet Chariot moves along in a similar vein, entrancing with its hand-clapping beat and activated by Jack’s vivid reading. Finger-snapping excites the fable-like Ezekiel Saw The Wheel, an energized account of one phase in the biblical prophet’s life. Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho has all the quality of living drama as Jack’s agilely chanted sermon rekindles the flame of freedom for the oppressed – the song’s original intent. The hallelujah excitement is carried further by Little David, Play On Your Harp, absorbed in its camp meeting atmosphere and intensified by a shouting sax that personifies a congregational chorus. Roll Jordan Roll closes the side with Jack’s crisply enunciated phrases attuned to the answering voices. A heavy rhythmic outlay sets the fervent pace Down By The Riverside and Jack’s drive, conviction and spontaneity keeps it rolling for this Gospel Tent favorite that opens the second half of the program. Then, in a bit of passionate introspection, Jack sings the praises of Old Time Religion, with a spirited tambourine simulating a hand-clapping backing. The Gospel Train, a symbol indicating a means where by the faithful can reach the celestial shore, rolling in, next, in a stimulating rendition that accelerates into a total emotional involvement. I Wanna Be Ready is another spiritual for jubilant hearts, replete with repetitive phrases and that good old “sing along” feeling. But the mood changes in Just A Closer Walk With Thee, a heartfelt interpretation of almost hymn-like tenderness, which reveals the simplicity of the desires and ambitions inherent in these songs. In closing, Jack and The Chantones offer He’ll Understand, a selection of brooding and haunting intensity that, like the other tunes in the album, absorb the audience completely.