While the Ages Roll On

When Ralph Stanley makes a gospel record, expectations are justifiably high. No artist alive has done more to keep the old-time religion central to bluegrass or has cut as much vital, enthralling gospel music as the good doctor. While the Ages Roll On is a worthy addition to Stanley's oeuvre: timeless in its clarion but understated sound (including three a cappella quartets, arranged by Stanley), and as devastating in its recognition of mortality as it is uplifting in its hope for understanding and forgiveness. One might lament the lack of Stanley's signature banjo work (present only on one track), but there's more than adequate compensation in his vigorous lead singing (as good as any he's done in recent years), and in the loose, comfortable backing of the road-schooled Clinch Mountain Boys. Into his sixth decade of bluegrass, Stanley preaches a gospel everyone can share: the rapture of music straight from the soul. --Roy Kasten