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Hand Me Down
Folk/bluegrass
www.thespares.net

Jodee Lewis and Steve Hendershot comprise The Spares, a Chicago duo that has played the Midwest since 2003. Acoustic guitars, mandolins, and other stringed instruments are at the core of their sound, though they've also performed with a bassist and drummer. Their debut Hand Me Down draws on the same folk and alt-country sounds popularized by recent sensations like Mindy Smith, Alison Krauss, and eastmountainsouth. The Spares have a particular love for storytelling songs, particularly evident in the epic plainsong feel of "The Ballad of Columbus Bill" and its Old West tale of oaths, family, and mercy. Not to be confused with Billy Joel's classic hit, "Allentown" offers a sweetly written illustration of poverty and God's grace, inspiring the album title. The hopeful "Valley of Vision" finds the Lord's presence in broken places. The most challenging song is "It's You or It's Me," in which a young woman wrestles over whether to have an abortion or to listen to "the still small voice" inside. This talented pair draws from a broad songwriting palette that sketches the human condition in the places where faith is needed most.

Photo by Frank Hunter

For the Beauty of the Earth
Instrumental piano
www.bradleysowash.com

Ohio's Bradley Sowash is familiar to PBS viewers as a regular guest on "The Piano Guy," as well as NPR listeners who have heard his recordings regularly played on "Morning Edition." A composer, educator, and acclaimed pianist, Sowash has toured concert halls and churches alike for more than twenty years. He's recorded six instrumental albums, but this is his third disc of hymns and spirituals for jazz piano in the last four years—and reportedly his final, since it completes a trilogy. Those who enjoyed Chris Rice's Living Room Sessions albums will love this. Sowash's technique incorporates more jazz, which makes it a more lively experience suitable for active or passing listening. Sowash gives a boogie-woogie feel to "Glory, Glory Hallelujah" while gliding through some bluesy runs in the title track and "Go Down Moses." Other highlights include a breezy, bouncy take on "This Little Light of Mine" and a playfully varied "Doxology." Sowash goes the extra mile by offering more than a pretty collection of hymn arrangements. He remains true to the familiar melodies, yet infuses them with personality for an artistically refreshing worship experience.

Things You Can't Stop with Your Hands
Roots pop/rock
www.taraleighcobble.com

Trying to fill that void left by Jennifer Knapp's retirement? Do you wish more people caught on to Jill Paquette? Looking for someone as good as Bethany Dillon? Then rush directly to Tara Leigh Cobble and do not pass go. The one-time culinary student originally hails from eastern Tennessee (not far from Alathea's home), and now resides in Nashville. Stylistically, her aggressive roots pop/rock sound is a match to Knapp's—opening song "White T-Shirt" is enough to convince. But Cobble is certainly strong enough to stand on her own merits. A stunning voice that's earthy like Natalie Merchant and strong like Pat Benatar, it's comforting to learn that the album was recorded without "pitch correction." Cobble also distinguishes herself as an introspective songwriter inspired by faith but passionate about reaching beyond the Christian culture. "Beautiful Drive" and "Damage" could both be Christian radio singles, yet are seeker-friendly enough for mainstream airplay. "Follow" is an arty and poetic expression of discipleship, while "I Wonder" thoughtfully reflects on Christ's loving death for us. Top it all off with first-rate production, including strong instrumentation from Gabe Scott (Bebo Norman) and members of Caedmon's Call, and you'll be wondering why this girl hasn't been signed.

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