With its upcoming "Faith: A Hymns Collection," Avalon moves out of its standard pop groove into some uncharted stylistic waters, adding a touch of jazz, gospel and soul.
Jody McBrayer grew up in the ministry and Janna and Greg Long share his life-long attraction to the old standards of the church, so these 13 tracks are a homecoming of sorts for Avalon. However, it's no comfy, chill return to the roost, but an invigorating exercise in stretching out and cutting loose for these long-time band-mates. "Faith: A Hymns Collection" contains the favored staples of the church, ("Blessed Assurance," "In Christ Alone," "It is Well") but Avalon and producer Brown Bannister have tweaked the arrangements to breath fresh wind and add surprising sparkle to these beloved hymns.
The crisp, taut acapella vocals of opener "Holy Holy Holy" set an appealing tone of awe for the twelve tracks to follow, but it's anything but stodgy. Following track "Blessed Assurance" has a joyous air to it, the tight vocal interplay between Janna Long and Melissa Greene communicating their exhilaration. Standout track "Joyful, Joyful" takes that edge to the next level with its pop-rock arrangement, all the more impressive when you learn that Greene was hitting those high notes while 8 months pregnant, yikes. It's hard any day of the week not to love "Great is Thy Faithfulness," but Janna and Melissa's quiet duet makes it all the more challenging. "In Christ Alone" is presented in a quiet folk guitar context, backed by fresh percussive touches, the vocals soaring with triumphant faith, adding up to a powerful rendition. The sweet simplicity of "'Tis So Sweet" leaves you rejoicing in its beauty and the beauty of its Source.
But two hymns especially standout for their innovative creativity. The jazzy up-tempo jam feel of "I'll Fly Away" comes across like a fried catfish dinner on the campgrounds; in a word, authentic. It's got a soulful organ simmering beneath the free-flowing vocals and the song just rocks, plain and simple. But the real stunner is their oh-so-fresh rendition of "Amazing Grace." It has to be very challenging to make this most familiar of songs sound fresh, but with this sizzling piano-driven arrangement, Avalon and Bannister have done the deed. Avalon's signature pure vocals tweak the melody line just enough to add sizzle to this always moving hymn. The poignant "For Freedom," a tribute to our soldiers, closes out "Faith: A Hymns Collection" dramatically, and Avalon's eighth studio project leaves you nicely satisfied. Look for it's October 17th release and get ready to enjoy.
For the Suite interview with Melissa Greene of Avalon, click here.
