Some songs seem so timeless, so etched into the marrow of the soul, that re-envisioning them is almost an act of faith. And that is precisely what Out of the Whirlwind has done with their new "Amazing Grace." The effect is nothing less than stunning.
The south side of Chicago is rich in gospel, and this collective boasts a craggy ensemble of veteran musicians who know how to salute tradition even as they blaze new trails. Their signature sound, which they refer to as nouveau gospel, reinvigorates the spiritual underpinnings from which they hail. And with this reading of "Amazing Grace," they've hit the sweet spot between familiar and unexpected.
The arrangement has a soulful depth that packs an emotional wallop with every note. The harmonies are thick, the instrumentation toasty, and when you know where it's each headed, a harp solo comes crashing in an angelic, almost extraterrestrial moment that carries the song to a place you didn't see coming. It's the kind of twist that you replay, not out of nostalgia, but to relive that frisson of novelty.
Out of the Whirlwind has created a version of "Amazing Grace" that is both profoundly reverent and incredibly easy to listen to. Or if you've been listening to gospel since the dawn of time or simply seeking something new with some heart and soul, this one's a must.
1 Comments
the artwork is evocative of grace raining down on all of us
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