Turn Around - 406

Amazon.com The churchy organ that opens and closes Jonny Lang's fifth album reveals its direction. After 2003's Long Time Coming plunged the once-up-and-coming blues guitarist into more soulful and commercial waters, Turn Around completes the transition. Lang is lyrically direct in his spiritual awakening, and the uplifting if sometimes pedantic lyrics make it clear that any vestiges of the teenaged guitar slinger that knocked out an impressive version of the lascivious "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl" on his debut are far in the past. A few short leads aside, Lang shifts into full Stevie Wonder/Prince mode, but unfortunately without the quality material that made those artists' work transcend genre. With vocals that shift from guttural howls to sweet and screaming falsetto on tunes like "Don't Stop (For Anything)" and a penchant for oversinging, he's not aiming for subtlety. But there are some winning melodies here: songs such as "Anything's Possible" and "One Person at a Time" boast catchy choruses in a funkified, gospel-tinged, adult-alternative vein bound to appeal to audiences that lean towards obvious religious references in their music. This is a well crafted, undeniably heartfelt set from Lang, who makes it abundantly clear he feels his destiny is to make the world a better place through Jesus. It's a valid enough objective that doesn't quite connect with Lang's rather heavy-handed lyrics, affected singing, and derivative tunes. --Hal Horowitz Product description Personnel: Jonny Lang (vocals, guitar, piano); Jonny Lang; Michael McDonald (vocals, piano); Haylie Lang (vocals); Drew Ramsey, Buddy Miller (guitar); Kenny Meeks (hurdy-gurdy); Sam Bush (mandolin); David Davidson , David Angell (violin); Sara Watkins (fiddle); Kristin Wilkinson (viola); Anthony LaMarchina (cello); Doug Moffett (tenor saxophone); Jim Horn (baritone saxophone); Quentin Ware (trumpet); Chris Dunn, Barry Green (trombone); Aaron Pearce (Wurlitzer organ); Jim Anton (bass guitar); Javier Sol?s (percussion); Jason Eskridge, Melinda Doolittle, Kim Keyes (background vocals); Shannon Sanders (organ); Michael Bland (drums). Audio Mixers: F. Reid Shippen; Neal Cappellino. Recording information: Ameraycan Studio, North Hollywood, CA; Drew's Groove Studios; Little Big Sound; Platinum Lab, Berry Hill, TN; SoundStage Studios. Unknown Contributor Role: Jonny Lang. TURN AROUND is a wholly appropriate title for Jonny Lang's 2006 album, since it marks a significant change in direction as the young blues singer/guitarist's first full-fledged Christian outing. Having embraced spirituality after his hard-living days as a child prodigy performer, the North Dakota-raised Lang leans strongly toward soul and gospel on this record, as evidenced on the passionate "Anything's Possible," a lightly funky tune that finds his searing six-string lines matching his dynamic and expressive vocals. Along with writing assistance from CCM luminary Steven Curtis Chapman ("My Love Remains"), TURN AROUND also features contributions by singer Michael McDonald, mandolin player Sam Bush, and violinist Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek), making the album a faith-based coming-out party for Lang. About the Artist A professional musician since age 12, Lang rocketed from his hometown of Fargo, North Dakota, to international renown in his mid teens. While kids his age were still playing high school gigs, he was touring with giants like the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith, trading licks with mentors like B. B. King and Buddy Guy, and being lauded by U.S. News and World Report for having "the voice of a grizzled blues veteran ... and guitar skills to match." Turn Around proves that, unlike many one-time wunderkind performers, Jonny Lang has grown to exceed the expectations that heralded his ascendance. Produced by Ron Fair (Black Eyed Peas, Mary J. Blige, Counting Crows), energized through collaboration with songwriter/performers Drew Ramsey and Shannon Sanders, anchored and elevated by former Prince N
ASIN: B000H7JDVS
VSKU: DBV.B000H7JDVS.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Jonny Lang
Binding: Audio CD