Album Notes

Peers say of Meeks’ 2003 release “Blue Chapel”…
"No one can quite capture the authenticity of gospel music and spirit like "the reverend" Kenny Meeks, as displayed on his album Blue Chapel." Sandra McCracken, Shell Records UK

"I want to be Kenny Meeks when I grow up. I hope someday to make such rich, relevant, and yet timeless music. 'Blue Chapel' is quintessential Kenny Meeks in the way that he marries the roots of true Gospel music to his own unique style, moving in and out of the blues and folk traditions." Derek Webb INO Records

Blue Chapel is Meeks' second solo album of alt-country-traditional country and blues with a decidedly raw approach. It's similar in spirit to Eric Clapton's hardcore blues albums and resembles works by Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Van Morrison. There's a basic arrangement of the traditional spiritual "I Wanna Be Ready" and a simple rendering of "The Lord's Prayer" that recalls Dylan and Clapton with its sparse guitar and harmonica accompaniment. The songs are simple blues. The album's highlight is likely "Shining as Stars," a beautiful country folk song about letting our light shine with love and unity.

Blue Chapel is not revolutionary, but still a solid album. Like Johnny Cash and O Brother, Where Art Thou, it makes country and blues sound cool for those who consider it perhaps a little too twangy or pop. Russ Breimeier

He shares chart positions on Americana play lists along with Merle Haggard, Nickel Creek, Johnny Cash, Little Feat, Nanci Griffith, B.B. King, Guy Clark, and The Band.