Various artists
Strong Hand of Love: A Tribute to Mark Heard (Word/Epic) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
“Stong Hand of Love” is a compelling tribute to singer-songwriter Mark Heard, who died two years ago at age 40. Heard, whose songs grow richer with each hearing, packed more ideas and images into a single song than many musicians put into an entire album. This well-crafted compilation of 17 songs (two extra on cassette) includes contributions by Bruce Cockburn, Pierce Pettis, Michael Been (formerly of The Call), Kate Taylor, Tonio K and contemporary Christian music stars Phil Keaggy, Kevin Smith (of DC Talk) and Steve Taylor. These artists skillfully reinterpret Heard’s country- and folk-tinged songs of longing, love and alienation. Vigilantes of Love attack “Freight Train to Nowhere” with the rawness and energy of punk, driven by a strong funk beat, and Victoria Williams gives an easy-going, communal “Give Peace A Chance” feel to “What Kind of Friend.”
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