JIM “PAPPY” MOORE: Angel by the Lake

By Jim “Pappy” Moore

As I sat in the lakeside hair salon chair getting my ears lowered, I noticed a stack of CDs on the counter and asked the attractive young woman cutting my hair about them.  “They’re copies of a gospel CD I made recently,” she said.  

Angelia made a CD singing a variety of gospel songs – old standards – the kind I simply love.  I decided to get one.  I never expected to immediately listen to the CD straight through, not once, but twice.  I never expected to be knocked out by a CD I bought while getting my hair cut.

I usually listen to Tennessee Ernie Ford sing these tunes.  I have a two CD set of the great man’s gospel singing.  I enjoy listening to his versions of many old gospel songs and find them comforting.  Now I have Angelia’s versions to complement Tennessee Ernie Ford’s.

I am impressed with Angelia’s strong voice, her slight country edge, and her perfect pitch.  Her song selection is excellent.  Folks forty and older will especially enjoy this compilation of songs.  They’re easy to listen to, easy to sing along with, and easy to bring back those memories of church many years ago, too.

She begins with an old favorite, “Beulah Land,” and follows that with “God is My Refuge,” a truly comforting song.  “One Day at a Time” is the third cut on the CD.  

One of my long-time favorites – “He Touched Me” – is the fourth tune on the album.  That song takes me back to the 1960s, when we lovingly sang that song at our church.

Two memorable Christian songs follow. “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” is a gold standard for enduring Christian music, and Angelia does a great job putting her touch on this legendary tune. “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” is next.  That’s another one that takes me back in time to East Texas fifty years ago.  

The seventh song of the disc is a very melodic rendition of “Midnight Cry.”  This soulful number is easy listening.

“Amazing Grace” is perhaps the best-known gospel song of all time, and harkens back to the days when television was getting its hold.  She gives a beautiful cover of it.  

Angelia closes out her first CD with “Power in the Blood,” employing a very up-tempo version I have not heard before.  It’s lively, and a spirited interpretation of an old favorite.

I appreciate a well sung song.  I sang many years as a youth and into adulthood.  It takes hard work and natural talent to sing songs well.  Angelia has those qualities.  She makes listening to songs easy and rewarding.  I find myself hoping others will hear her songs and think the same as I do:  wow!

My order for several more CDs has been placed and I will give them to several of my friends and relatives whom I know will enjoy them.  Thank you, Jesus!

Copyright 2022, Jim “Pappy” Moore. All rights reserved.