I first met the Old Paths in 2019 shortly after moving to Americus, GA. A local church, Salem United Methodist had them and I was invited to hear this “Up and Coming” group. I was hesitant at first, but once they got to their second song, I was hooked. At that time Doug Roark was having heart surgery and was replaced (temporarily) by Jeremy Chupp in his absence.
In the winter this year I got to visit Salem UMC again to hear them in all their glory. Doug was back, Tim Rackley, Daniel Ashmore, and Steve Ladd were in full force, and I couldn’t have been happier. I recently downloaded the rest of that album, eight songs that will carry you from Americus to Cordele, about a half-hour. If that doesn’t compute, it will allow you to work out or go for a thirty-minute walk, and you will not be disappointed.
Track one was a surprise, not sure it’s a pleasant one yet, it is the song “This Is Amazing Grace”, a cover of Phil Wickham’s 2013 hit on CCM charts. That’s no bearing on the group or the album, I’m just picky about SG music, and am not a fan of crossover songs. In spite of my feelings though, they did a great arrangement on is, even added some vocal effects that you are sure to enjoy.
Second is their single “I Got the Grace, He Gets the Glory” which, is in my opinion is a powerhouse song for the current social predicament. Next up is “Look at All I Lost”, a testimony of the transaction that takes place when we come to Christ for salvation, He takes all of the sin and shame, and trades them for His Joy, Grace, and a new song.
“Bread” is a driving song with Steve Ladd leading about the five loaves of bread that fed the thousands. God can no doubt use the little that we have to do much! “Pray While You Wait” has the lead vocal held down by Daniel Ashmore. The music though is interesting, there’s a bit of a “haunting” characteristic about it, though it feels the opposite, this may be one of those “You have to hear it” songs so you can understand.
We come to “How Great is Our God”, another Contemporary song, but honestly, what’s not to love. Its played by Daniel on the saxophone, and if You’ve ever seen it in person you’d understand, that dude can blow! He also does a tribute to “How Great Thou Art” in the arrangement.
There are two other songs that I can’t review, simply because of space. I’ve stated this before, but you owe it to yourself to purchase this album and allow yourself the opportunity to experience the Spirit of God that is on this recording, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.
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BY: James Burke, Founder, and Host of Southern Gospel Point of View
Email: james@southerngospelpov.com
