P'Ray'z Revuez
 

REVIEW OF Theodore A. Henning II'S "TRAIN IS A COMIN'"

This 10 song album was fun to review.  I was amazed at the amount of talent
that God has given to Theodore and the way that he expressed himself on the
album.  As I listened to this album, I could not help but see that the album
has Theodore's folk roots. I want to especially say that I really like
Theodore's voice.  There is something there that I have always liked in a
singer and I really enjoyed listening to him and I kinda sorta grew up on folk
music.  I found that I still like it today.  Now, let's get on with the review.

1.  TRAIN IS A COMIN':  Right away, I heard John Fogerty singin'.  (By the
way, CCR had been my favorite in the late 60s.  OK, OK, I was in the world
then).  I found that this song was busy yet after a few times of listening to
it, it grows on you.  You've GOT to have a talent like Theodore's to get all of
the instruments to work together.  I would have liked to have heard the
finger' pickin' on the guitar just a little more mellow, though.  The Harmonica
(chromatic of course) fits right in.  The main story of the song, is
basically, "The Train is Comin' Back for us and at a time that no one knows!
So, get your bags packed, accept Jesus as your Savior and be at the station.
That train is only comin' back once... Don't miss it!!!

2.  TAKEN UP HIGHER.   I love the voices of the female background vocalists would like to hear more from them someday.  This song is smooth and
well mixed.  I love that sax in there and would like something like that on one of my albums someday.  In this song, Theodore informs us that when we have accepted Jesus, that we will all be "accepted Higher to the Heavens into (Jesus') loving heart"

3.  PERFECT LOVE.  A steel guitar starts this song in a clean, clear, mellow, country two-step style.  Personally, I would have liked a little more "chambers" on the steel.  (That's the country in me that sometimes has no control).  The song informs us that the "Nail-Pierced Hands" of Jesus Christ are "outstretched open wide" to help us through our lives and loves.  The female harmony blends well with Theodore and is very complimentary. Excellent blend in vocals.

4.  IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.  Have you ever heard a portion of a song and then say to yourself "Self, I've heard that before, I know that song" but, you
can't put your finger on it?  Well, that is what I thought when I heard the
start of this song.  The backup harmony here is a perfect match. Theodore adds drums - something that folk music (that I can remember) never had.  Theodore, justly declares that "In the name of the Lord, all battles are won" and that "Jesus is our refuge". The lead guitar solo jumps right in with a 60s-70s style lead that makes me
wonder if this is not a combination of folk and rock music. A very interesting touch.

5.  HIS ARMS ARE OPEN WIDE.  Heyyyyy!  Bill Monroe, George Morgan!  Bluegrass! Similar to The Lewis Family.  I like a good bluegrass, a fast bluegrass, and
one that is well played by all instrumentalists.   Theodore reminds us that God is God and that even the back-slidden can repent through Jesus and God will forgive.  That is so very important... But it does not give us license to accept Jesus, sin, go back and ask forgivenss, sin, and do it all over again. God catches on quick folks.

6.  HIDE US FROM THE WRATH OF THE LAMB.  Hammond Organ, electric guitar!  The thing that I noticed though is that the Hammond AND a piano were the sounds that drove the song's backbone.  This song utilized a very talented pianist and saxophonist. The saxophone (love it) was my favorite part.   It was an interesting touch to have added a church choir ensemble to this song. This spiritual is a song of multiple blends that tells you all about what those that have not accepted Jesus will experience on the day of Jesus' return.  I sure don't want to be around when that happens.  That's why I accepted Jesus and he and I have an understanding.  When he comes back... I go (with Him).

7.  NAKED GADARENE MAN:  The steel guitar starts this song off and Theodore's
voice caresses the song sweetly.  This is by far my favorite song on the
entire album.  The quality of this song is just right.  This is a pretty ballad that no matter how far down on the road you've traveled, there is still hope through Jesus.  I think the reason that I like that song so much, is because I had hit the bottom and found my Jesus.  That is when I "Encountered God's Love".  I love the line "when the man trusted Jesus, (he) became perfectly whole."  You have to hear Theodore's testimony of this song!

8.  MISTY RAINBOWS:    The rythum guitar and harmonica sets me back to the
"old days".  Nice background work by the female vocalists. The violin break is smooth, relaxing, and right on for this type of song.  Covenants. Yes, Covenants.  Quite a different chord progression.

9.  FIND THE ROAD TO EMMAUS:  The Holy Ghost Chill Bumps set in while
listening to this song.  This is a MUST to listen to.  It places me with the
two disciples who felt defeated.  I was placed at the last supper and could
feel Jesus' presence.  I think that the keyboard is what set this song aside
from the rest.

10.  DRINKIN' FROM THE RIVER:  This is the last song of the album.  A lively bluegrass rendition set with an opening "Mayberry RFD" whistle.  This song reminds me of  the Seredipity Singers.  "Oh what a friend we have in Jesus".  Oh, yes.  This
song is quick and easy to learn.  Just enough for a Sunday School commencement.

OVERALL:  It is a good album.  We wish to commend Theodore for the hard work
that he had put into it.  Also, he is a very talented musician and songwriter.
My wife, Mary, my daughter Holly, and I found that in some of the songs, the
vocals and basic rythum and lead were crowded by the other instruments.   We
were impressed with his organization of the instrumentation.  It must be very,
very difficult to get all instruments where they belong.  The production was
intent and this album was not just "thrown together" as some we have heard.
Much time, preparation, and dedication went into this album I am sure.  The
family enjoyed and had a good time reviewing this album and we hope and pray
that Theodore's dedication to working for Jesus continues and that God's
strength will show through.  Good Job, Theodore, Good Job. (Ray, Mary and Holly)

And that's about it. God bless you all,
Ray