Stained Glass (CD - 1997)

Personnel: Clay Crosse (vocals); Dave Luther Cleveland (acoustic & electric guitars), Jerry McPherson (guitar, electric guitar); George Cocchini, (guitar); John Catchings (cello); Nashville String Machine (strings); Buddy Green (harmonica); Phil Madeira (Hammond B-3 organ); Mark Heimermann (keyboards, background vocals); Jeffery Roach (keyboards); Jackie Street, Matt Pierson (bass); Reggie Hamm (drums, percussion, background vocals); Dan Needham (drums, percussion); Terry MacMillan (percussion); Judson Spence, Ashley Cleveland, Tabitha Fair, Michael Mellett (background vocals).

Engineers include: Tom Laune, Joe Baldridge, Todd Robbins.

Personnel: Clay Crosse (background vocals); Jerry McPherson (guitar, electric guitar); George Cocchini (guitar); Dave Cleveland (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); John Catchings (cello); Nashville String Machine (strings); Bud Green (harmonica); Mark Heimermann (keyboards, background vocals); Jeff Roach (keyboards); Regie Hamm (drums, percussion, background vocals); Dan Needham (drums); Terry MacMillan (percussion); Judson Spence, Ashley Cleveland, Tabitha Fair, Michael Mellett (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Joe Baldridge.

Recording information: Fun Attic Studio; OMNI Sound.

Photographer: Ben Pearson .

Clay Crosse takes some risks on Stained Glass. Some of them work, some of them don't, but at least he's trying something innovative, which is more than can be said of a lot of CCM artists. Stained Glass has a complex, multi-layered sound, more akin to Jars of Clay than the adult contemporary sound of his previous releases. "He Walked a Mile" is a moving ballad with a solid beat. "Sold Out Believer," a '70s funk-styled track, is Crosse's biggest risk on the album, and one that pays off. Crosse pulls off soul surprisingly well. Another '70s number, a rendition of "He Ain't Heavy," doesn't fare so well; it's meant to be sincere, but just feels hokey. "Wicked" is the most unfortunate choice on the album; it's oddly dark, both in style and lyrics: "For the wicked bend their bows/And they load their guns/And shoot from the shadows." It sounds like a bad case of paranoia. Stained Glass is uneven, but it's a major stride for Crosse. He's developing a style and a statement of his own. ~ Melinda Hill

If you're a fan of singers like Michael Bolton, Russ Taff, or even Bryan Adams, you might find a new favorite in Contemporary Christian artist Clay Crosse. Crosse makes his spiritual orientation clear from the first track, "It Must Have Been Your Hands." Crosse distinguishes himself from his CCM vocalists by virtue of his distinctive style.

He favors tunes with slightly jazzy changes, and his voice has a subtle, blue-eyed soul quality. "Somethin's Missin" is a funky little blues-based gem, and it showcases Crosse's vocal talents. Crosse is easy to listen to; he has a knack for well-turned hooks and fresh, interesting chord patterns. If you like soulful pop with a spiritual message, give a listen to Clay Crosse. minimize