Marty and Patti Elmore “Hand in Hand” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Once and For All, We Will Bless the Lord, Better There

Marty and Patti Elmore's new album "Hand in Hand" does not just offers us tutorials in the faith. It also treks with us hand in hand through the labyrinths of life's most dire and complicated moments offering to us piquant encouragements from Scripture and leading us always to the Savior.  And making the journey most memorable are the sublime tunes the couples have crafted to go along with such a travelogue of faith.  Marty and Patti Elmore are a husband & wife team from West Plains, Missouri.  They have been writing and singing gospel music together for the past 27 years, traveling over much of Missouri and several surrounding states. 
 
On "Hand in Hand," they have teamed with producer Roger Talley (of the Talleys) to give this set a gorgeous Southern Gospel and inspirational country sound.  Most autobiographical is "Better There," a song Patti wrote shortly after the death of her brother who fell to his death during a vacation.  Waxed with so much palatable heart-wrenching emotions, you can't help but keep your Kleenexes nearby. This hymn-like paean speaks of our hope in Jesus Christ without bypassing the pain of such searing loss.  "Once and For All" wastes no time on the frivolous.  Getting to the heart of the Gospel, salvation has never been so gloriously presented than on this string-laden ballad.  And if a melody deserves a A+ grade it has to be "We Will Bless the Lord."  Featuring Patti on the lead, "We Will Bless the Lord" is simple call to worship with a melody that makes you want to return to again and again.

Ballads are definitely the couple's forte.  Those who adore the tingling of the ivory notes of a grand piano will love the heartfelt "Come to the Master."  Pay attention especially to Patti's deft and careful nuances and how she can take the simplest turn of phrases and make it a prayerful event. "They That Know Thy Name" has a stripped down acoustic country feel that calls to mind some of Don Williams' earlier music.  While "The Nearness of Our God" gets a Celtic makeover that ought to bring delight to fans of the Gettys.
 
Never a dull moment on this album, the Elmores never fail to impress.  Filled with songs that thrive on well-crafted melodies, gorgeously sung by the couple, "Hand in Hand" is a beautiful sonic tutorial guiding us by the hand through life's precious moments to the Savior.  

 

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