Kevin Max

The Blood

Infinity Music

Grade - A+

The most recent release from Kevin Max is set to drop on December 26^th, saving the best (of 2007) for last.  Joining him on “The Blood” is an all-star cast including Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Chris Sligh, Joanne Cash, and Erica Campbell (of Mary Mary).  The disc also includes a track with Michael Tait and TobyMac.  The album is a personal reflection of the gospel and spirituals that have influenced Kevin Max.  

This is what Kevin had to say about the disc, “The Blood is not a worship record or classic hymns cover project, but rather ‘a sensitive and stylized adoption of the music that was at the root of rock and roll, blues and popular culture.’”  Kevin cites Elvis, Hahalia Jackson, The Imperials, and Andrae Crouch as influences.

The ten-song disc starts with “The Old Rugged Cross,” it has a sound like older recordings with album scratches and that hollow echo of the old recording studios.  The second song, “The Cross,” is the DC Talk feature.  It has a cool psychedelic opening, but it quickly turns into more of a typical DC Talk song.  I had a hard time with “Run On For A Long Time,” as Kevin’s soulful voice is less dramatic than the late Johnny Cash.  The CD is loaded with one amazing track after another. My favorites are the spirituals, “Trouble of the World,” “They Won’t Go When I Go,” and “I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole.”

“The Blood” is a very non-commercial project that very few people could (or would) attempt.  It is a testament to the non-conformity attitude of an independent artist and particularly that of Kevin Max.

Ken W.