Since moving to Nashville a decade ago, Australian native Kristy Cox’s star as one of bluegrass music’s premier vocalists has been steadily rising, thanks in large part to her work with Billy Blue Records. Learning To Walk With Him, Cox’s third release for the label also marks her first all-gospel effort, pairing her voice alongside both original and well-loved spiritual favorites.
The recording opens with an uptempo rendition of the classic, I Love To Tell the Story. One element that immediately stands out with this track is the strong musicianship that Kristy has surrounded herself with. Accompanying Cox on this song is Jason Roller on guitar and fiddle, Justin Moses on resophonic guitar and mandolin, Aaron McDaris on banjo, Evan Winsor on bass, as well as Magnolia Williams and Jerry Salley on harmony vocals.
No One But Jesus Can by Emily Ann Roberts and Jerry Salley is one of two collaborations on this project. In this case Kristy is paired with the legendary Blackwood Brothers on an uplifting song about how Jesus can do everything that seems impossible to us. Resophonic guitarist Gaven Largent and bassist Mike Bub also make excellent contributions to this track. The other collaboration, Send the Angels Down, features Kristy along with her producer Jerry Salley. Written by he and Sheila Stephens, this song shares a message of longing for our heavenly home.
One of the most captivating pieces on this recording is I Still Pray. Written by Kasey Chambers, this is a beautiful a cappella song with a quartet consisting of Cox and Salley along with Donna Ulisse and Josh Swift.
The closing track, Amazing Grace, puts Kristy’s voice on full display. As well-known of a hymn as it is, one can’t help but pay attention to the elegance that Kristy brings to her performance.
Learning To Walk With Him is another excellent effort from Kristy Cox. With Jerry Salley once again serving as Cox’s producer, this album matches her voice with compelling, unforgettable material all throughout.
