​Parchman Prison Prayer (from the album Another Mississippi Morning

​Parchman Prison Prayer (from the album Another Mississippi Morning

​Parchman Prison Prayer (from the album Another Mississippi Morning available on Glitter Beat Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
A sequel to the critically acclaimed first Parchman Prison Prayer album, Some Mississippi Sunday Morning, released in 2022, a new collection entitled Another Mississippi Sunday Morning maintains the same creative concept and high bar of its predecessor. Here again, producer Ian Brennan attains the high standard established the first time around, utilizing the talents of a dozen prisoners ranging in age from 23 to 74. Each of the participants are credited with their ages added. 
 
So too, as before, it was a daunting task. Several of those involved were hardened criminals and none had any previous professional experience, at least in any actual sense. Regardless, the album was recorded completely live in a single take and completed in a matter of a few hours with no overdubs.

As a result, the sentiment and spontaneity remain completely in sync. Each of these poignant and passionate performances make for a series of memorable, moving encounters. They’re stirred by little more than sheer emotion and a distinctive dynamic that’s evidenced by all involved. That’s evident at the outset, courtesy of the wordless improvised read that defines “Parchman Prison Blues,” a powerful and passionate expression of drama and despair. 

Of course, that expression of emotion isn’t confined to any one track. It’s evident in each of these offerings, whether it’s the solitary and sobering “Grace Will Lead Me On,” the unadorned hip-hop delivery of “MC Hammer”, the plaintive plea found in “Po’ Child”, or the ghostly echoes that whirl within “Take Me to the King”. The syncopated rhythm of “God Is Keeping Me” and the gospel-infused acapella approach that marks “Living Testimony”. “I Shall Not Want” and “I Won’t Complain” testify to the participants’ clear commitment. Only the concluding track, “Jesus Will Never Say No” features instrumental accompaniment, but like all the entries that came before, the music rings and resonates with an unequivocal clarity. 
 
Redemption isn’t always a given, and yet, in this particular case, there’s a depth of devotion that’s clearly manifest in its honesty and humility. That presence is pervasive throughout, making Another Mississippi Sunday Morning something akin to a sacred sacrament for all the ages. (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of Parchman Prison Prayer from AMAZON
 
For more information, please visit the Parchman Prison Prayer website