Danny Flowers
Tools for the Soul

A few weeks ago, my oldest son and I went to the Clapton Crossroads festival in Chicago. There were many magical moments, but one standout was a great song, “Tulsa Time”. There are not many songs worthy of having, not only Vince Gill and his all-star band, as well as Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Albert Lee and Eric Clapton playing on it. This is a great song that got me wondering what its writer; Danny Flowers has been up to. Forward to a couple weeks and an old Indiana buddy of mine, who told me to check out the new Danny Flowers CD, “Tools for the Soul.” I checked out bits and pieces online, enough to make me want to order it. This is a gorgeous CD. It appears that Danny Flowers has had quite an awakening and it is evident on this CD. The album is dedicated to his Heavenly Father, and to his earthly mother. His head and heart are planted in both worlds, as evidenced on this album.

I warn you from the outset, this is not a traditional bluegrass album. But it has elements of being as real and as honest, as some of the greatest bluegrass albums ever made. For those die-hard bluegrass lovers, there is the breathtaking, Emmylou Harris who contributes some gorgeous vocals. Emmylou has never strayed very far from her love of bluegrass and traditional music and follows her heart in contributing here.

Danny Flowers

I loved what Emmylou said about this CD. “I first listened to this remarkable album on a Sunday morning, and it took me to church and beyond. Danny’s songs bear witness to his life with humor and humility and a wisdom born of experience. They are a testament of hope, full of joy, from faith earned the hard way, every day.”

John Cowan, from the groundbreaking New Grass Revival, also contributes some superb moments to this disc. This guy has an unbelievable voice, as anyone who has been fortunate enough to see him live can attest to.

The title track, “Tools For The Soul”, begins the disc. With the strains of a guitar playing, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, and the beautiful vocals of Danny, Emmylou, and John Cowan, the disc opens with a beauty, rarely revealed on CDs. What else is discovered is an implausible depth as a songwriter.

The next song, “Keep On Livin”, was co-written with Delbert McClinton. This song has a lively beat that inspires us all to, “keep on livin’ til the day I die.”

The third song is as beautiful song that you could swear the spirit of Ray Charles was in the room when they laid down the track. As a matter of fact, Flowers notes that they recorded it in front of a big picture of Ray. “Reason to Try” is very barren, just Danny on vocals and co-writer Kevin McKendree on piano. This track made me think of the late, great Ray Charles, “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music” that came out in 1962.

Danny Flowers, joined Don Williams band in 1974. Four years later he wrote “Tulsa Time”. Don Williams had a big hit with it and Eric Clapton had a hit version of it also. For those who remember, this grand song and its rocking guitar, there is a tribute to Robert Johnson entitled, “Born To Believe” that is a bit reminiscent. Once again, this song is much unadorned and very effective, just Flowers on vocals and also playing a Rocket Guitar.

“The Prayer Song” is a striking song, featuring Bill Miller on Flute and Emmylou once again singing background vocals.
One of my favorite songs on the album is a song Danny co-wrote with John Cowan, “Ready To Cross Over”. Cowan’s voice blends wonderfully with Flowers’ voice on this track. This song was written to play at the funeral of a friend and really stirs up the emotions. Each time I hear it, I have to fight back the tears, thinking about the ones I have lost in this world and how short our time is. Danny Flowers captures these emotions perfectly.

“World Enough And Time”, is a tribute to children. This song is just Danny on acoustic guitar and vocals, and James Pennebaker on violins and fiddles. Very stark and incredibly pretty.

This is followed, by a tribute to Curtis Mayfield. This is a stunning song, heavy on the backbeat much like the Mayfield songs. Cowan once again sings background on this tribute. This could have fit well in the Impressions catalog of incredible songs, very much like, “People Get Ready”. Stick with the song because there is a hidden track that follows. This too is a real treat.

It is rare to find a jewel like this. Too many times, musicians think more is better. This is minimalistic and it is amazingly effective. Sadly, you probably won’t find this in most music stores, if you are lucky enough to even find a music store these days. “Tools For The Soul” is well worth hopping online and purchasing. You will not be sorry you did.

You can sample the title track “Tools from the Soul” by Danny Flowers by clicking the play button below courtesy of Brash Music.

By Rickey Lamb

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