Keep Hymns Alive

Bishop Leonard Scott, a legend in traditional gospel music circles, has sprinkled hymns throughout his contemporary gospel albums for over 40 years. His best-selling albums to date such as Hymns for the Nation (2004) and Hymns & Church Songs Live from Alabama (2006) were completely hymns projects. So, it should come as no surprise that the hymnologist’s first album in five years, Keep Hymns Alive (Tyscot), is a new set of church standards. It's a nine-track showcase of well-worn songs that have earned a fresh but familiar reprise. The good Bishop leans in heavy with old soul millennials such as Ruth La’Ontra who valiantly commands the rhythmic “Never Alone,” and Kelontae Gavin who shows off his vocal prowess on a searing rendition of “Pass Me Not.” Throughout the proceedings, the instrumentation is raw and sparse – mostly acoustic piano, and sometimes a humming organ. The background vocals often serve as a foundation for these tracks, rich and velvet smooth. There are contemporary songs such as “Great I Am,” an uplifting worship tune led by Bishop Scott with some assistance from rising star, Quinton Elliott. A reboot of Chris Tomlin’s “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” features the new group, Thomas & The Situation. Bishop C. Shawn Tyson, best-known for his credits on Indiana State Mass Choir albums, provides a majestic organ solo on “Jesus Paid It All” as Bishop Scott softly adlibs. The late Bishop Rance Allen joins Bishop Scott for a hearty, ferocious take on “Throw Me Overboard.” “Storefront Praise Medley” is a classic, up-tempo hand-clapper that will have feet tapping and many of the congregation racing up and down the aisles of the church. “Bishop’s Hymns Medley” is simply divine in its hushed beauty and softness. It meshes Bishop Scott’s tender tone with the sweet harmonies of a small group of singers, caroling in unison on this combination of “Just As I Am” and “Revive Us Again.” Caribbean worship leader Sherwin Gardner’s voice is assured and urgent on a faithful version of “Rock of Ages.” In a world of programmed beats and electronic drum machines, Keep Hymns Alive, is a reminder of how some of the most poignant sounds are the simple ones.