Eilen Jewell, Jason Beek, Johnny Sciascia and Daniel Fram started The Sacred Shakers in 2005 as a group of Boston area musicians who got together in to perform old-time country/folk/bluegrass gospel material. Their shows drew an ever widening circle of some of the areas finest musicians and singers to guest with the band (including Mark Erelli and Alastair Moock). For the recording of the album, the 4 original artists are joined by Jerry Miller, Greg Glassman and Eric Mayer, creating a fantastic band with a range of vocalists and instrumentalists.
Forget about the slick, produced sounds of R&B gospel, these are earthy honest readings that range from acoustic country and bluegrass, through to upbeat rockabilly and blues.
The album shares much with Eilen Jewell’s solo albums in that it uses the same formula of putting a slight contemporary spin on older material, plus the majority of the ‘Shakers are made up of the personnel from Jewell’s band; it’s a recipe that has proved successful as a solo artist, and it works equally well here.
Vocal duties are shared democratically across the band, and the 14 songs are an easy mix and match of vocalists, whether it’s Eilen leading the song, or Fram backed up with her harmonies, there’s a good range of sounds and styles throughout.
Many of the songs will be familiar to many here, and from ‘John the Revelator’ to ‘Jordan is a Hard Road to Travel’ there are songs that many people will know in different iterations. Given that the songs on this album range from around the 1850s onwards, and the range of source material is vast, they’ve chosen 14 strong, varied and memorable songs; there isn’t a single wasted or throwaway song here.
While there’s an obvious religious angle to the material here, this is American folk music in its most honest form – genuine music of the people, and open and accessible for all to enjoy.
Those who’ve enjoyed Eilen’s solo discs will find much to enjoy here, but in truth it’s a fascinating album, and an excellent collection of classic folk, country and blues put together by a great band and some memorable vocalists. Highly recommended.

Track listing
1 I'm Gonna Do My Best
2 Jordan is a Hard Road to Travel
3 Ready to go Home
4 Straighten 'Em
5 John the Revelator
6 Twelve Gates to the City
7 Taggin' Along with Jesus
8 Titanic
9 Are You Walking and a' Talking with the Lord
10 Banks of the River
11 Travelin' Shoes
12 Gospel Plow
13 Prayer Bells of Heaven
14 Green Pastures

£12.99