Sing the Delta (Flariella, 2012)
Iris Dement
Reviewed by Lee Zimmerman
Happily then, "Sing the Delta" may be just the album to reboot her sagging profile. Her first collection of wholly original material in some 16 years - 16 years! - it finds her plowing the Pentecostal roots sown during her devoutly religious upbringing. Likewise, in revisiting some similar terrain as that covered on 2004's songs of faith collection "Lifeline," it does a remarkably fine job of reinforcing her spiritual essence. Here again, Dement's created a stirring set of torch songs that are both profound and inspired. The Kingdom Has Already Come, Sing the Delta and There's a Whole Lotta Heaven capture those sentiments remarkably well, and there's not a single song here that dares to deviate from her clear-cut conviction.
Credit should also go to co-producers Bo Ramsey and Richard Bennett, as well as a superb cast of supporting players - Al Perkins and Reese Wynans among them. Ultimately though, all it takes is a solitary piano and Dement's searing, soulful vocals to affirm the album's archival ambiance and her reverential devotion. Sweeping and stirring with emotional depth, "Sing the Delta" allows Dement to testify with true purpose.
CDs by Iris Dement
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