The Blind Boys of Alabama, I’ll Find a Way

I’ll Find a Way

Reviewed by: Kathleen Larrick

The Blind Boys of Alabama are iconic. No ensemble exists for 70+ years without that something special that combines historical roots with relevant modern references. Just the track title “There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God is Seated at the Conference Table)” encapsulates The Blind Boys’ ability to tap into that Grammy-winning cocktail. I’ll Find a Way harnesses the added star power of contemporary artists like Merrill Garbus and Patty Griffin, delivering Southern Soul to a whole new generation.

The purist tracks “Take Me to the River” and “My God is Real” showcase the earnest simplicity of The Alabama Blind Boys’ style – old time religion, choirboy harmonies and Motown syncopation. Of course, these folks were at it a good 20 years before “Motown” was even a record company. The soulful falsetto and simple instrumentation of “Take Me to the Water” climax gently to the pinnacle revelation, “I wanna be baptized!” Between piano rolls that can’t be found in a hymnal and the well-balanced vocal harmonies, you might just be ready to let that Holy River cover you over.

Not every track is as inspiring. While the Blind Boys seem pleased with producer Justin Vernon (formerly of Bon Iver), the product often begs one to question the recording process. The gospel standard, “God Put a Rainbow in The Cloud”, feels as though it was set to a click track with vocal and instrumental tracks overlaid on autopilot. There is no climax and certainly no Big Tent celebration. “I’ll Find a Way (To Carry it All)” is equally stagnant with a dragging rhythm section and insipid vocals from collaborator Shara Worden. Sam Amidon’s vocal contributions also fail to inspire on “I Am Not Waiting Anymore”, and the synthesized interlude certainly doesn’t help him out.

While I think most Blind Boys fans would love to hear them cover Bob Dylan’s evangelical works from time to time, Justin Vernon’s disjointed approach to “Every Grain of Sand” feels rhythmically forced. The hand drums and heavy piano chords can’t mimic the easy guitar arpeggio upon which Dylan’s lyrics should float. Instead of a prayer, this cover feels like something from a New Age nature store compilation. (Cue the rain stick.)

Though the album has some dramatic highs and lows, redemption can be found in collaborations with Merrill Garbus (of tUnE-yArDs) and Patty Griffin. “I’ve Been Searching” is punctuated by Garbus’s rhythmic yet flexible vocals, blending seamlessly with the Blind Boys’ underlying harmonies. The album concludes with “Jubilee”. Imagine Patty Griffin leading a Second Line down Royal Street, complete with flaming banjo licks, breathy lead vocals, the obligatory tambourine and a brass band break down. By the last track, it seems they found their way.

Rating: Listenable