Description
Along the Road is the sole album by an acoustic trio consisting of American recording artists Susan Ashton, Margaret Becker, and Christine Denté (of the husband-and-wife duo Out of the Grey), released on Sparrow Records in 1994. The album was recorded by JB Baird at The Bennett House in Franklin, Tennessee; with Wayne Kirkpatrick producing. Mixed by JB at The Studio at Mole End in Franklin. Recorded and mixed analog, mastered digital.
As a recent convert to CCM (entirely through my reading Cross Rhythms over the past two years), I’ve noticed how much of a big happy family the various US labels seem to be. Guest appearances abound as backing singers and instrumentalists all pitch in to give the little bit extra to that latest album. Sparrow have now gone a step further with a joint project by producer Wayne Kirkpatrick and three of arguably the best female voices in US CCM, Mademoiselles Ashton, Becker and Dente. Playing the CD, my first impression was amazement, that Wayne and these three pop gospel divas could have turned out an album that is so diverse in style – the overwhelming feel is country, with acoustic guitars, a real drum kit played by a real person, and hardly a synthesiser to be heard. In fact, on the title track, Brother Wayne has roped in a string quartet, and very effectively too. The only pop style songs are the haunting «Angels» and «Near To You», which Susan wrote with Gary Chapman and which features a Hammond organ in with the usual implements. I could rave about nearly every track; «Walk On» is a bluesy message song given the gritty delivery it deserves by Susan, and on «Oh Me Of Little Faith» Margaret sounds a little like Peggy Lee on a jazzy/rocky/bluesy stomper. Scott Dente even shows up to support his other half on «Takin’ My Time» which Christine wrote with Charlie Peacock. But my favourite tracks are «Breathe On Me», a gentle folksy ballad perfectly sung by Christine, and «Blessing In Disguise», a lolloping country foot-tapper which Margaret and the band give the full country treatment, with cowboy guitar and all. Each of the girls gets four lead vocals, everybody sings BGVs for everybody else and the CD is excellent value with over 51 minutes of very classy music indeed. Definitely highly recommended. [Trevor Kirk, Cross Rhythms, December 1994]
We probably don’t have to remind you that’s Susan, Margaret & Christine, or that each of these ladies on her own has produced an impressive catalogue. What’s rewarding to the listener on this type of project is the chance to hear a familiar artist in somewhat less familiar circumstances. This isn’t a complete “fish out of water” scenario, however. Ashton brings her distinct country/folk approach to the proceedings; Becker, better known as a pop/rocker, regularly includes acoustic sets in her shows – even the alternative vibe of Denté’s Out of the Grey persona is built around husband Scott’s acoustic guitar.
But it’s Christine who readily adapts to the different surroundings. She leads off the album, and her breathy delivery sets the tone on «Angels». As the track slowly builds, layers of acoustic guitar, mandolin and percussion underpin the soaring harmonies. Susan’s first solo, «Song of Reconciliation», finds her singing with a bit more twang than usual; she’s joined in the second verse by her partners, who lift the song a notch by their mere presence. «No Other» spotlights Becker for the first time, in a slightly subdued approach; Denté and Ashton chime in with ethereal support more implied than obvious.
After three fairly laid back tunes, Ashton delivers a jolt with «Walk On». It’s a frisky “hard country” number, full of slippery dobro and stinging electric guitar fills. Denté pulls in the reigns again with the lovely «Breathe on Me», which finds her using a delicate attack, so much so that her voice nearly breaks in spots. «Blessing in Disguise» features Becker stepping up the tempo with a country shuffle, as Susan and Christine join on harmonies for much of the track. «Taking My Time», co-penned by Denté with Charlie Peacock, seems a sure-fire hit. The trio’s harmonies are sprakling, while Christine is in her pop element. Speaking of which, Becker gets to strut her bluesy stuff on «Oh Me of Little Faith» – not just a great title, but a great song.
It’s fitting that the title track which ends the album was written by Dan Fogelberg; his pop/rock/country influence can be felt throughout. Becker, supported by a string quartet, takes the lead vocal, but all three women rare back an offer spine-tingling harmonies. If there’s a theme to the album, harmony seems to be what it is – that and doing what makes everyone sound best. Producer Wayne Kirkpatrick and his terrific musicians certainly knew that. His transparent production puts you right in the room with these utterly charming ladies, a wonderful place to spend an hour. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, November 1994]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/along-the-road/724852944)
CD tracklist:
01. Angels – 5:37
02. Song Of Reconciliation – 4:27
03. No Other – 4:28
04. Walk On – 4:00
05. Breathe On Me – 4:50
06. Blessing In Disguise – 3:21
07. Taking My Time – 3:41
08. Near To You – 4:37
09. Oh Me Of Little Faith – 3:56
10. What Am I – 3:16
11. Waiting To Be Found – 4:17
12. Along The Road – 4:41
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Sparrow Records.
L-R: Margaret Becker, Christine Denté, Susan Ashton.
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