The Del McCoury Band
The Promised Land

DEL McCOURY ON HIS FIRST EVER GOSPEL ALBUM, The Promised Land

Nashville, TN (March 3, 2006)…Not many people know it, says Del McCoury with a chuckle, but though 2006 is the first time he’s released a bluegrass gospel album, it’s not the first time he’s tried. “I was all ready to do one back in the late 1980s,” the holder of nine International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainer of the Year awards reveals. “But then our banjo player left the band, and he was such an important part of what we were going to do that we had to hold off. And the time just never seemed right after that—until now.”

Though it may have been a long time coming, The Promised Land is surely worth the wait, and for more than one reason. In contrast to the string of groundbreaking albums that preceded it, the new set finds the Del McCoury Band dialing back its usual musical breadth and exploration of edgy material in favor of a deeper drink from the well of bluegrass tradition. From the joyous drive of the banjo that kicks off the celebratory opener, “Canaan’s Happy Land,” to the impeccable Scruggs style fingerpicked guitar of the closing “The Lord Is Writing Down Names,” the music here quietly asserts that no matter how far the group has roamed in the pursuit of creativity, its mastery of bedrock bluegrass is as good as—make that better than—ever.

Yet in typical McCoury fashion, Del still manages to break new ground on The Promised Land. Though like its predecessor, the album draws on a variety of song sources, a remarkable set of undeservedly obscure songs lies at its heart. For though one might think that the catalog of Albert E. Brumley—creator of such enduring classics as “I’ll Fly Away,” “Rank Stranger,” “Turn Your Radio On,” “Jesus Hold My Hand” and dozens more—had been thoroughly picked over by now, McCoury has unearthed a trove of his compositions that had never, or only obscurely recorded before. With their powerfully affirmative lyrics and timeless melodies, songs like “Led By The Master’s Hand” and “It’s Surprising What The Lord Can Do” both express and explain the relaxed assurance and good will that have turned so many from simple fans into “Del-heads.”

In this sense, The Promised Land’s songs—whether from Brumley; from long-time favorites and friends like Billy and Terry Smith, Shawn Camp, Ronnie Bowman and Del’s co-writer here, Jerry Salley; or from still other sources—constitute not only a musical gift to his audience, but a spiritual one, too. Though one may hear classically stern, if loving warnings scattered throughout the album in “Don’t Put Off Until Tomorrow” (a song Del summoned from the memory of his days with Bill Monroe, who first recorded it), the overall spirit of this set is sunny and uplifting, focused on the promise of salvation rather than the perils of sin.

Not surprisingly, as the spiritual outlook embodied in the lyrics here is gently yet passionately affirmative, so is the music both centered and exuberant. Though the group’s collective virtuosity is widely acknowledged, here it is employed for a higher purpose. Jason Carter and Ron McCoury’s award-winning work, Rob McCoury’s under-appreciated creativity and dexterity and newcomer Alan Bartram’s unerring timing all work to support, rather than overpower the gospel message, as does the enhancement of Del and Ron’s stark duets with an abundance of smooth trios and rich quartets.

The result of all these—the embrace of tradition, the unique song selection, the inspired performances and the unmistakable sincerity of the entire effort—is a collection that’s destined to take its place alongside a handful of classic bluegrass gospel albums that have stood the test of time. At once an outward-reaching offer and deeply personal expression of faith and hope, The Promised Land is an offering that, Del says, only awaited the right circumstances. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” he says with quiet cheer. “And now that I have my own label, it’s something I’m finally able to.” For all those who will appreciate its message, and for those who will simply enjoy its musical riches, that’s good news in every sense.

The Promised Land is due in stores June 13, 2006, the 14-track disc will be the third release on Del’s own McCoury Music label in association with bluegrass powerhouse Sugar Hill Records and Welk Distribution.