Universal United House of Prayer [Digipak] (CD - 2004)

Personnel: Buddy Miller (guitar); Buddy Miller (vocals); Julie Miller (vocals, guitar, electric guitar); Phil Madeira (lap steel guitar, accordion, Hammond b-3 organ); Rick Plant (banjo, bass guitar); Alison Prestwood, Byron House (bass guitar); Emmylou Harris, Jim Lauderdale, Ann McCrary, Regina McCrary (vocals); Rev. Brady Blade (psaltery, drums); Tammy Rogers (fiddle); Steve Hindalong (drums, percussion); Bryan Owings (drums).

Recording information: 05/2004.

Photographer: Michael "Mick" Wilson.

Unknown Contributor Role: Buddy Miller.

Alt-country polymath Buddy Miller's UNIVERSAL UNITED HOUSE OF PRAYER was touted as his "gospel album," but that's only true in the loosest sense. While the content of all the songs is spiritual in nature (some less overtly than others), fans of what normally falls under the gospel umbrella might be in unfamiliar territory. The material comes from a wide variety of sources, from Bob Dylan (his early ballad "With God on Our Side") to the Louvin Brothers ("There's a Higher Power") and late singer/songwriter Mark Heard (opening track "Worry Too Much"). All the songs are delivered in Miller's trademark strong, soulful style, with his characteristic mix of country, rock, folk, and swampy blues. Released in 2004, when worldwide events had reached what seemed an unprecedented catastrophic state, HOUSE OF PRAYER arrived as a kind of spiritual balm, its overall vibe as warm and enveloping as its inclusionary title. minimize