Jay Hurd is a fine young gospel singer from the state of Illinois. He is the son of Doyle and Rosie Hurd of Pontiac, Il. Jay's comments on the liner notes about his parents were very touching. He dedicated "Hands In Wood" to his father and "I Thought She'd Never Leave" to his mother.
I recognized only Dale Perry in the supporting cast of musicians. Dale plays banjo with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. This project was recorded in Dale's Lakeside Studio in Moneta, Virginia. Jay's recording was engineered, mixed and produced by Dale Perry. The musicians on this project are as good as any I have heard in some time.
Many of the songs will be familiar to the readers of BMN, but there are two that make this recording very interesting. "Hands In Wood" tells of a father who was a carpenter. "I Thought She'd Never Leave" does not sound like a gospel song.
"The musicians on this project are as good as any I have heard in some time"
The story begins with a young boy camping with a friend. His mother visits their camp and after she departs, the boy thinks, "I Thought She'd Never Leave". When Jay sings about the death of the mother, the tile becomes more meaningful.
"Three Men On A Mountain" and "If God Be For Us" are beautiful duets with Patrick Robertson. Jay sings all the parts on "Keep the Candles Burning" and "Heartbeat". "Don't Neglect The Rose" is a beautiful song written by Emma Smith and others have recorded this great song, and Jay's version is very enjoyable.
This is a wonderful recording, and will hopefully bring some attention to the talents of Jay Hurd from the bluegrass community.