Album Review of
Raise Your Hands!

Written by Duane Verh
October 11, 2015 - 12:00am EDT
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The case that soulful spiritual music can score with the most secular of listeners is doubly made on this modest but moving set.  Former Blind Boys of Alabama guitarist Sam Butler injects his own inspirational fire into spirit-moving material from major artists including Springsteen (Heaven’s Wall”), Clapton (“Presence of The Lord”) and Van Morrison (“Full Force Gale”).  The stripped-down backup and production works well to drive Mr. Butler’s messages home.  Top performances here include appropriately postured covers of Tom Waits’ “Gospel Train” and U2’s “Magnificent”.