This review of the new album from Branson, MO-based family bluegrass band, The Petersens, is a contribution from Matthew Todd.
The Petersen’s long awaited, faith-based album, Father, A Moment With You, was released on May 8. It’s comprised of 11 songs, including seven originals that showcase their vast song writing talents, and covers of classic Christian hymns like How Firm a Foundation.
The production is top quality; produced by Zeb Snyder, Katie Petersen, and Emmett Franz, engineered by Dewey Boyd and Cory Halterman, mixed by Dewey Boyd, mastered by Adam Grover, with artwork by Parker Hale, and pre-production by bluegrass legend Ron Block.
The album covers the full range of emotions, struggles, hopes, and victories that we, as Christians, experience in our journey toward a closer walk with God. These songs will be great inspiration to people of faith, those in times of trouble, and those searching for meaning in life.
The lead vocals and harmonies are first rate, as usual with the Petersens. It’s rare that a band has five members who can sing lead, but the Petersens have that blessing, and each member presents a unique sound, from the smooth baritone of Matt, the beautiful sweet voice of Katie, to Ellen’s powerful classic country voice, the warm folksy sound of Emmett, and the unique “heavenly” weeping voice of Julianne; she always brings a tear to my eyes. The accompanying instrumentals across the board are excellent with the innovative arrangements and solos we have come to expect from the Petersens.
We might not expect that an 11 song album to not have at least one weak song, but this recording is strong throughout. Of course, I have personal favorites: the Irish-inspired Overseer Of My Soul, the title track, Father, A Moment With You, with its pure beauty, Gonna Keep Prayin’, with its up tempo encouragement, Lord How Long?, the a cappella gem, Not Afraid Of Bad News, Garden Song, with Julianne’s vocals, fine dobro and fiddle solos, and the Emmett and Julianne duet, Where the Soul Never Dies.
With every project, recording, and show the Petersens get better. This, in my opinion, is their best production so far. And that’s saying a lot given their past work, which is excellent.
As I listen to this album for the fourth time today, I have to wonder why the Petersens aren’t more famous. True, they are one of the most viewed artists on YouTube, and true, they have a very loyal following among their many fans and patrons, of which I am one. But the talent God has blessed them with, the hard work and commitment they’ve made to refine those talents to the glory of God, and their humility and kindness, warrant far more recognition and popularity.
In my opinion they are on the cusp of even greater popularity, and this recording may be the genesis.
