Keep Hymns Alive

2022 release. Bishop Leonard Scott, a legend in traditional gospel music circles, has sprinkled hymns throughout his contemporary gospel albums for over 40 years. His best-selling albums to date such as Hymns for the Nation (2004) and Hymns & Church Songs Live from Alabama (2006) were completely hymns projects. So, it should come as no surprise that the hymnologist's first album in five years, Keep Hymns Alive, is a new set of church standards. It's a nine-track showcase of well-worn songs that have earned a fresh but familiar reprise. The good Bishop leans in heavy with old soul millennials such as Ruth La'Ontra who valiantly commands the rhythmic "Never Alone," and Kelontae Gavin who shows off his vocal prowess on a searing rendition of "Pass Me Not." Throughout the proceedings, the instrumentation is raw and sparse - mostly acoustic piano, and sometimes a humming organ. The background vocals often serve as a foundation for these tracks, rich and velvet smooth.