Playing Time – 47:55 --- Minnesota-based Monroe Crossing is apparently on a schedule to release at least one new album annually. In 2004, we were treated to a live album, “On the Road,” and in 2005 we enjoyed “Somebody Like You” and their seasonal project, “The Happy Holidays.” The band now has a new banjo player (Jason Ericsson) who joined up in May 2006. The rest of the band remains the same -- Lisa Fuglie (fiddle, mandolin, guitar), Art Blackburn (guitar), Matt Thompson (mandolin) and Mark Anderson (bass). Fuglie and Blackburn handle lead vocals. Matt Thompson is the third voice on trios. Mark Anderson sings bass on the two quartets (“He Did Rise” and “Standing in the Need of Prayer”).
Recorded live, with no overdubbing, into a single mic, “Into The Fire” is this hard-working band’s seventh album overall (and second all-Gospel project, the other being “Then Sings My Soul.”). They selected the songs because these are the ones that move them emotionally, spiritually and/or musically. Repertoire is drawn from Terry Smith, Pat Enright, Gillian Welch, Bill Monroe, Don Reno, Ronnie Bowman, Hazel Houser, and other sources. The title cut, penned by Lisa Fuglie, was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King’s 1963 letter from Birmingham jail that cited the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in support of civil disobedience when confronted with unjust laws. “When those who wield the power say you must do that which goes against our God, don’t be afraid, you are not alone. Have faith, even as you go into the fire.” One of their audience favorites, Mark Anderson’s “He Did Rise,” features twin mandolins (Fuglie and Thompson) and the band’s quartet on a happy, joyful message celebrating the Resurrection of Christ. The album closes with “Get Thee Behind Me,” a lively song from another Minnesota songwriter, Mary Henderson. Besides a few notes about each selection, the CD jacket provides the lyrics for the two originals from band members.
Monroe Crossing has considerable courage to record an entire gospel recording “live in the studio.” It’s certainly a worthy testament to the band’s cohesion, as well as their love of gospel feelings and messages. I commend them for their well-rehearsed sound. Apparently, the band is not presenting their music as part of a ministry. They recognize that the messages can vary among listeners, and their gospel music speaks to all in different ways. (Joe Ross)
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