A GLIMPSE OF GLORY

Ken Hensley must be one of the most important rock keyboard players of the Seventies, not only defining the sound of, but also writing many of Uriah Heep's songs. After he left the band some twenty years ago Ken stayed active in the scene for a while before going into musical semi-retirement and it is only in the last few years that he has again become involved. This album has been recorded with his band Visible Faith, but unfortunately there is no information in the 'booklet' or press release stating who played on this album, but it does appear to have been recorded at various times over the last few years.

What is striking is that this is a gospel album, and I wasn't sure what to expect when I placed it on the player. When gospel is bad, it can be nauseating, but when the songwriter is one of the ability of Ken then it probably isn't surprising that not only is this one of the finest albums of this genre that I have ever heard, but also not a bad listen in its' own right. I have to admit that I was somewhat surprised when I caught myself singing the chorus to "Jesus (Again and Again)" at work today, more than once, as it is not the sort of thing that I would usually do!

Ken has covered most of the musical bases that gospel albums tend to be like, only whereas most other acts stick to one style he moves around. Some are soft rock, with that wonderful Hammond organ of his, and some steel guitar for good measure while others are much more American-style, almost C & W. Considering that after he left Uriah Heep they recorded 'Abominog' (a fine cover indeed), it seems that he has moved on quite a way from his colleagues but songs such as "Shakey Ground" could have been from late Seventies Heep.

I have enjoyed playing this album a great deal, and know that I will be listening to it a lot more in the future which is some statement for any album, let alone one so blatantly stating the message. There is another album due out on Mystic anytime now and I am really looking forward to it if the quality of this one is anything to go by.

Originally appeared in Feedback #68, Jun 02