Danny Flowers: Tools For The Soul

Singer-songwriter Danny Flowers has quite the guest performer on the opening title track. Emmylou Harris adds a warm feel to the rather straightforward folksy ditty. Things pick up with the rowdier “Keep on Livin’”, resembling a cut from an early Steve Earle album. Another strong effort is the soulful, bluesy “Reason to Try”, sounding like the perfect blending of Randy Newman and John Hiatt. However, there are a few bumps in this album, including the ordinary “At the Open Door” and the island-tinged “What Would the Father Say” being a rather odd miscue. Unfortunately, the latter songs don’t seem to shine as brightly, even the calm, tranquil and Rodney Crowell-esque “Prayer Song”. The lone exception is without question “Ready to Cross Over”, which Flowers pours himself into. “UnGodly” isn’t too bad either, an up-tempo, blues-based groovy effort.