Description
A Distant Call is the fourth studio album by the American singer and songwriter Susan Ashton, released on Chordant Records in October 1996. The album was produced by Brown Bannister (tracks: 1, 2, 8), Michael Omartian (tracks: 3, 4, 7, 9), and Wayne Kirkpatrick (tracks: 5, 6, 10, 11).
Featuring “You Move Me”, co-written by Gordon Kennedy (White Heart, Dogs of Peace) and Pierce Pettis, a song later covered by Garth Brooks on his album Sevens, featuring Susan Ashton on background vocals. (Brooks’ version peaked at No. 3 on the US Hot Country Songs, and his album as well debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top Country Albums.)
The strength of any Susan Ashton record can be measured on the basis of two fairly reliable tools – her sometimes soothing, sometimes driving voice and the caliber of the songs that give that smooth vocal instrument purpose. On ‘A Distant Call’, Ashton’s fourth solo project, both are in fine form.
Ashton’s voice is identifiable in its beauty, in the manner in which it weaves through the acoustic pop tunes that fans have come to know and love, and in its ability to to remain human, relatable, comfortable.
However, as wonderful as the voice is, it holds nothing but hot air without the power of a lyric and the passion of a melody. And Susan Ashton has always been blessed to find both in a full quiver of good songs, many of them emerging in whole or in part from the pen of her long-time producer/mentor Wayne Kirkpatrick.
But it’s songwriters Gordon Kennedy and Pierce Pettis who set the pace early on ‘A Distant Call’ with a tender and moving tune to open the project. Over gentle guitars and percussion, «You Move Me» quickly presents a cynic frozen stiff in a vulnerable moment, but the writers take us beyond the fear to the discovery that courage can come from above.
Ashton herself contributes to the writing of three songs on this project, two of which, «Blind Side» and «Body and Soul», appear on the first half of the disc. The former – underscored by Tommy Sims‘ bass line and guitars courtesy of Kennedy, Kirkpatrick and Jerry McPherson – warns of the seductions of unguarded temptations, while the latter speaks of healing and hope. «Spinning Like a Wheel», joins several other songs on the record («Love Profound», «Send a Message», «I Will Follow») in its theme of the romance and joy found not only from falling in love but living in love.
«Lonely River», perhaps the most insightful and beautiful song ever cut by Ashton; joins a song co-written by Sheryl Crow, «Hundreds of Tears», to suggest that God’s hand is at work even when it can’t be seen, drawing us home and spreading mercy along the road. Meanwhile «Crooked Man» and another Crow tune, «All Kinds of People», act as social commentary on a confused world with misplaced priorities.
Though distinctive in style, the work of the album’s three producers – Kirkpatrick, Brown Bannister and Michael Omartian – blend together nicely.
Criticisms are few and minor and admittedly somewhat subjective – sequencing may have been improved by closing the album with the haunting «Lonely River» rather than the bluegrass-influenced «Love Profound», a song which feels a bit off kilter from the rest of the record anyway. Actually, «Love Profound» may have even been redeemed if the subtle vocal presence of Allison Krauss had been expanded further to honor her true talent.
‘A Distant Call’ has all the markings of a great pop record – not terribly deep or probing, yet replete with truly nice songs that are supported by some of Nashville’s top musicians and producers. Naturally, none of it would work together so well without the signature vocals of Susan Ashton to drive it all home. This isn’t an album that’s gonna change the world or break any new musical ground, but it is most certainly a record that will speak to the individual – the hurting, the hoping, the ones in need of a soothing melody and a gentle reminder that love lives on and a distant call can be heard by all those willing to listen. [April Hefner, CCM, October 1996]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/a-distant-call/724756925)
CD tracklist:
01. You Move Me – 5:14
02. Blind Side – 5:36
03. Body and Soul – 4:17
04. All Kinds of People – 4:28
05. Crooked Man – 5:12
06. Spinning Like a Wheel – 4:49
07. Hundreds of Tears – 5:27
08. Send a Message – 3:58
09. I Will Follow – 4:15
10. Lonely River – 5:36
11. Love Profound – 3:55
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Chordant Records.
“You Move Me” (MUSIC VIDEO)
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