Customer Reviews

Small Graces

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Small Graces was the first album of Bob's I happened upon about a year and a half ago. I was immediately capitivated by his brilliant guitar playing that seemed as effortess as breathing. More than that, this is a guy who lives where real people live and experiences the same stuff as real people, and isn't afraid to write about it. You can't help but be led down the road of personal introspection when you hear his songs. You realize this is everyday stuff that he writes and sings about, but it seems to have a ring of truth and perspective that you hadn't noticed before. I soon found myself on a treasure hunt to find some of his earlier works, of which I had some success, and it was more of the same mastery of marrying poignant, life-stuff lyrics with some gorgeous music (and let me tell you, this brother can get around on the guitar - he hears all the notes). It's truly a shame that comtemporary Christian music hasn't given him better promotion over the years. Unfortunately, they think a middle-aged man with a failed marriage who doesn't have abs of steel doesn't fit the marketing bill for what people want to hear today. Although, that probably eliminates about 50% of their demographic targets. And I would argue that CCM shouldn't be relegated to just "uplifting" music. Not all of David's psalms were "uplifting", but rather truthful. They should, however, be dispensed toward playing real-life stuff that challenges us to see God in it. Rest assured, there's a contingent of fans out there who love and appreciate this authentic man who has stayed true to who he is, both musically and spiritually. He's a gem! If you like him, I'd also recommend Billy Crockett, David Wilcox, Michael Kelly Blanchard, Bob Carlisle, and Chris Rice.

It's nice to see nine other reviews here for this album. For a core group of us, this was a very eagerly awaited album - but it didn't sell hundreds of thousands of copies, which is why (I presume) we're still waiting for the follow-up. The highlights of this album for me are "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree" and "Small Graces". I love Bob's introspection and honesty;his lyrics are truthful, penetrating and very real. They don't have the repetitive or manufactured feeling of much (?most) Christian contemporary music.

Bob's albums tend to be full of good songs, with one or two great ones, and by great, I mean songs you never forget, that come back to you time and time again. Most other artists have one or two of these in their entire careers. The great song for me on this album is "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree" which has those classic lyrics, the beautiful melody and some of Bob's best singing ever. Interestingly, most reviews don't mention his singing, but it is perfectly matched to his material, and he can really put in the emotion without any histrionics or gimmicks.

It is my prayer that at some point Bob's "greatest hits" album, "Lord of the Past",will be reissued on CD or as MP-3 files. I have a very heavily used tape that is dangerously close to wearing out, and this album is ALL great songs. It includes three of my all-time favorite CCM songs...well, three of my all-time favorite songs of any genre: "You're Welcome Here", "Come and See" and "Lord of the Past", plus classics such as "Mountain Cathedrals" and "Carpenter Gone Bad?".

I hope Bob realizes that even if his music doesn't sell millions of records, it affects peoples lives in a way little other music does.

Bob is truly a musical poet to the Church. I've appreciated his ministry from the beginning and am fortunate to have copies of all his recordings. I have a mix of vinyl, cassette and CD. It would be great for all of his material to be re-released on CD. I would like CD's of Non-Fiction and Matters of the Heart...
Bob's Discography:
First Things First
Matters of the Heart
Non-Fiction
Lord of the Past
Songs from Bright Avenue
Small Graces

My husband and I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Mr. Bennett and hearing him perform SMALL GRACES. I found him in '82 when I bought MATTERS OF THE HEART and have loved his music ever since. Like his music, he is truely a gift from God. SMALL GRACES is an excellent CD.

Bob Bennets Small Graces is outstanding. I just wish I had his entire collection.
I have been searching long and far for "Matters of the Heart"
I used to have it as a kid, but the tape got messed up.
If ANYONE, and I mean, ANYONE has it or know where to find it, please let me know how I can get a copy. P>Thank You Kindly

I lived in California for awhile teaching in a place that was quite isolating. Somewhere in that time, on one of my aimless drives, I came across the song "Small Graces." I was unable to forget it - at least melodically. I finally yielded and found a copy a couple years later and was reminded of the warmth and depth in the voice and guitar of Mr. Bennett. The album is still fresh to me and conjures thoughts of Michael Card and Fernando Ortega, though maintains a distinctly original and personal style. "Small Graces" allows the listener to be included in Bob Bennett's internal dialogues - many of them universal explorations. I still analyze the lyrics knowing that there is something subtle that has not been completely revealed in the music and the word. A wonderful find.

I have loved Bob's music for a long time. Such a beautiful ministry. His songs have carried me through so many things. Recently I have been praying for my daughter, and the Lord used one of his songs, "Come and See" to speak to her while at work. A co-worker had a christian station on and played his song. She told me how God spoke to her in such a special way, saying "follow me". I praise God for His faithful servant, Bob Bennett. I will always buy any album he has out.

I've listened to Mr. Bennett's music since I was a wee lad of ten back in the seventies. Each album has followed Bob through his life's experiences, its joys, sorrows, and triumphs, and each album has a slightly different mood and theme. I've never known another artist to share such intimate and personal lyrics, and I thank him for letting me know that I'm not alone in my dealings with love, loneliness, relationships, and the intricacies of life and God. If you can find his compellation album "Lord of the Past" get it without a second thought as it contains all his best songs from the late seventies, eighties, and early nineties. His song Mountain Cathedrals was what motivated me to learn to play the banjo.

Bob Bennett is one of the most overlooked Christian talents of our day. A melancholy troubador ... whose depth of lyric challenges and convicts ... whose warmth and authenticity makes him believable ... whose soulful voice penetrates. Some of his finest work is no longer available. Keep writing and singing Troubador!

A powerful poet and musician.... Few artists reveal or translate emotion in their music as effectively as Bob Bennett.

In this, his sixth "album," Bob Bennett continues his rich vocal blends and pleasant acoustical melodies. The album is at once uplifting and pensive for the Christian or Seeker. Discover Bob Bennett for yourself.