John Elefante - The Amazing Grace (CD)

John has made an album, that in a normal world would be a chart topper. Dig a bit deeper and John has created a timeless masterpiece. Amazing Grace stirs the soul, Time Machine, come on, pure ear candy. I could go song by song, as each song here is it's own triumph, but, when we get to the closer, And When I'm Gone(first song I've cried from in many, many years), we feel refreshed, like a burden has been lifted from our weary shoulders. Thank you John for an album I didn't think could be made anymore. I feel blessed to be able to hear these fantastic songs. I was going to list songs of note, but every song is a stand out. Just amazing.

Great disc! OMWTTS was his best IMHO.

I’m biased….since the first time I heard John on Kansas’ Vinyl Confessions, I’ve been hooked on his sound. And this album is right there!! In fact, I had a friend say recently that there was no really good Christian rock any longer….”it’s all pop”. I immediately corrected him by mentioning this release!! I won’t break it down song by song, suffice it to say I thoroughly enjoyed every minute!!

I have loved John's work since I first heard him with Kansas years ago. I have followed him and bought every recording off the Pakaderm Records label that he and his brother produced. His material with Mastadon and his solo records have always been great. On this new album, I hear some of the Kansas and Mastadon sounds and feel. Stonger Now, Falling Into Place, and Time Machine are a few of my favorites so far. Check it out, you will not be disappointed.

In 1982 we first learned of the gifted vocalist and keyboardist John Elefante. Every solo album he's made has become a staple of mine, along with Mastdon. Since his introduction, he's become one of my very favorite artists. When my son was being driven to the airport to go away for four years in the Marines, the last song my son wanted to hear was by John, and to this day it brings tears to my eyes even though my son is back home now. There is musical excellence to be sure, but the rare thing that causes me to gravitate towards his music is the positive message. I know I should be listening to this sort of thing, it's always uplifting. This album, though the liner notes would paint this as a dark and difficult time for John and his work, shines as well as anything. It's not dark, though the subjects are real. It does not disappoint. The writing is as good as ever. As a drummer myself, a mention about Dan Needham is warranted. I'm not a player of small kits, but the clever accents that Dan coaches out of his small kit are inspiring and by no means limiting. There is some good musicianship here to be enjoyed and supported. Thank you John for staying true to your faith and encouraging us even as you struggled through the last two years. Your work still managed to rise well above your situation, and I am grateful. Buy this album!!!