Mighty Glad began when Rocco DeLuca and Johnny Shepherd met and performed together with The Hallelujah Train in New York City in 2015. The meeting resulted in a collaboration released in 2020 under the title `Heavy Sun`. The pair then formed Mighty Glad and recorded a live record at Chris Rodinella’s Heritage Studio in Los Angeles. They release their latest album this month and have said it`s a “A search for strength in hard times; to shine a light into darkness. A prayer in the night. The message is an open door; all are welcome.”
This long player opens with `Let It Be Shown` a gospel-tinged soul ballad with some breathtaking vocal harmonies and a tinkling piano along with organ swathes that adds a real tenderness to this reflective number that hints at seeking redemption. A swirling organ and tapped drum rim lead us into `All The Way` a blues-tinged number that i`m sure Robert Cray had wished he`d written.
`I Quit Again` is a breathy possible love song where the narrator pleads for a lover / friend to draw a line in the sand in their volatile relationship and start again but realises deep down that it won`t happen. There`s a gospel like texture to `Rise` which could be interpreted as an appeal for salvation.
`Mighty` is a brief instrumental soundscape with what sounds like pedal steel and hummed vocals and has a dream like nigh on spiritual appeal about it. We have an interesting gospel like crossover with organ and pedal steel leading us through `Send Me A Message` a sort of petition for a deeper spiritual guidance when life appears to become challenging.
`I`ll Keep the Light` is a soulful gospel like devotional affirmation of belief and faith despite everyday earthly temptations while `I Feel Good` has a similar sentiment with much more open piety and commitment.
`Glad` closes out this release and it’s a thoughtful mellow instrumental piece to end on.
`Mighty Glad` is a wonderfully absorbing listen which was brought to light by Johnny Shepherd on vocals, organ, and piano with Rocco DeLuca on vocals, pedal steel Guitar, and guitar. The pair were helped by the talents of Seth Ford-Young on vocals and double bass, Dylan Day on guitar, Lucas Guerin on vocals and guitar and Ryan Carman on drums.
This album is a soulful gospel shaded composition with some overwhelming vocals and vocal harmonies that are soaked in emotion and regardless of your religious beliefs or convictions, I would be astounded if it didn’t touch your very soul.
Rating 8 / 10
