Garrison Keillor & The Hopeful Gospel Quartet
Born backstage atPrairie Home Companionafter discovering a love for good-sounding a cappella gospel in a stairwell, the Hopeful Gospel Quartet features the quintessentially American Garrison Keillor alongside Kate McKenzie and husband-wife duoRobin and Linda Williams. On this disc, recorded live at a show billed "A Pretty Good Night at Carnegie Hall" and produced by none other thanChet Atkins, the Quartet lights into gospel standbys such as "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," "My Rock," and "Jordan." Keillor, who (of course) serves as MC, trades licks between throaty harmonies and droll tales of individuality and Midwestern Lutheranism. Atkins and a crack band of Nashvillians accompany the Quartet on some numbers, which are quite lovely. But the real treat, as always, is Keillor's wholesome, ticklish charm.--Paige La Grone