Bishop Leonard Scott, a legend in traditional gospel music circles, has sprinkled hymns throughout his contemporary gospel albums for over 40 years. His best-selling albums to date such as ‘Hymns for the Nation’ (2004) and ‘Hymns & Church Songs Live from Alabama’ (2006) were completely hymns projects.
So, it should come as no surprise that the hymnologist’s first album in five years, ‘Keep Hymns Alive’ (Tyscot), is a new set of church standards. It’s a nine-track showcase of well-worn songs that have earned a fresh but familiar reprise.
In a world of programmed beats and electronic drum machines, ‘Keep Hymns Alive’, is a reminder of how some of the most poignant sounds are the simple ones.