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This posthumous release gathers together the best-known inspirational numbers by "Gentleman" Jim Reeves, the East Texas troubadour who perfected traditional country's smoothed-out Nashville sound. With his inimitable velvety baritone, Reeves caresses each note in his signature laid-back style, performing with genuine confidence rather than smarm. "I'll Fly Away" marries Reeves's classic tones with
Floyd Cramer-styled piano and "Padre of Old San Antone" captures the highly polished Tex-Mex flavor introduced by Reeves on his monster hit "Mexican Joe." "We Thank Thee," an eloquent ballad of gratitude, exemplifies the sophisticated country-pop that Reeves and contemporary
Patsy Cline popularized, "In the Garden" shines brightly with ringing guitar coupled with
Lawrence Welkian group background vocals, and "Trouble in the Amen Corner" is a first-class tearjerking talkie.
--Paige La Grone