Acoustic gospel music

Emmylou has recorded many different types of album in her career and it should come as no surprise that she eventually recorded a gospel album. Within that, she chose to record it to a sparse acoustic backing of instruments used in bluegrass music including acoustic guitar (sometimes played by Emmylou), mandolin, fiddle and dobro, though there is no banjo. I can't actually call it a bluegrass album because the music is so sparse. Also, most of the songs are ballads, heightening the effect of the sparse music. Emmylou's wonderful voice is always the focal point of her albums but never more so than on this one. Vince Gill (tenor), Carl Jackson (baritone) and Emory Gordy (bass) provide superb backing vocals.

Some of the songs are traditional, among them Precious memories (surely the most famous song here - often covered, I doubt if any other version ever sounded like Emmylou's), the title track and Drifting too far from the shore. Other songs are of more recent origin including Someday my ship will sail (Stanley Brothers) and When he calls (an original song). The ultimate in sparse backing is to found on the song Bright morning star, for which instruments are laid down - Emmylou sings it a capella.

This album is inspirational in more ways than one. I suspect that not all fans of her other music will enjoy this, but I love it, albeit not as much as her classic early albums.

classic...a keeper

A great album that is folk gospel. A classic performance from Emmylou during the 70's. I don't like classic country at all but I like folk and this is one must-have. Downhome and definetly worth every cent.

One of my two favorite gospel albums

I know we all have our favorites, but "Drifting Too Far" is mine, from this album. This is one of my two favorite gospel albums, the other being Johnny Cash's God CD. This is a beautiful selection that will quickly become one of your favorites, and if you're already an Emmylou fan (especially of her "country-ish" stuff) you will no doubt love it.