Review:

Live at the Ryman

This Grammy award-winning American blues, gospel and rock singer/guitarist with a remarkable story of faith shot to fame when his Lie to Me début album, released the day before his 16th birthday, went multi-platinum.

Those who hear Lang’s seasoned blues voice without knowing might think him black, stout and grizzled, rather than white, slim and 28, and this album catches him in his element – live, where his emotion can spill from the speakers.

Faith fits easily too: the melody line of ‘I Love You, Lord’ starts ‘Breakin’ Me’, and songs of grace nestle among those of problems in love. This is a versatile team effort of understated skill.

HIGH: ‘A Quitter Never Wins,’ which builds to a storming climax

LOW: Some tracks, while solidly played, need more spark.

Published by: Conchord