Morning Calm by The California Singing Churchmen: A Gospel Gem That Stirs the Soul
If you’re looking for an album that feels like a warm hug on a Sunday morning, Morning Calm might just be your next favorite thing. This folk-meets-gospel record from The California Singing Churchmen isn’t flashy or overproduced—it’s raw, heartfelt, and dripping with sincerity. And honestly? It’s kinda perfect.
The album kicks off with "At The Cross," and man, does it set the tone. Greg Buchanan’s voice hits you right in the feels, smooth yet powerful, like he’s singing straight to your soul. You can almost picture him standing there, bathed in golden light, as the Maximus Studio Players weave this lush orchestral backdrop behind him. It’s one of those tracks where you forget everything else for a moment—your coffee goes cold, your phone stays silent, and all you can do is listen. By the time the choir joins in, you’ll probably find yourself humming along, even if you didn’t mean to.
Then there’s “Morning Has Broken.” Yeah, yeah, we’ve all heard versions of this classic hymn before, but something about this take sticks. Maybe it’s Michael Dana’s gentle guitar picking or Richard Cencibaugh’s organ work adding that subtle churchy vibe. Or maybe it’s how Roy Carlson’s bass lines rumble underneath, grounding the whole thing without stealing the spotlight. Whatever it is, it works. There’s a simplicity here that feels intentional, like they knew less was more and trusted the song to speak for itself.
One thing I gotta shout out is the teamwork on this project. Dr. John McGuckin directing? Check. Kip Lewis laying down tight drum grooves? Double check. Even Ray Buford sneaking some saxophone magic into the mix—it’s clear everyone brought their A-game. Producer Sam Sanders deserves props too; he lets each track breathe, never rushing the emotion or cramming too much into the arrangements.
But let’s talk real talk for a sec. Not every track will knock your socks off. Some songs lean a little too safe, sticking close to traditional formulas without taking risks. Still, when they nail it (like on “At The Cross”), it’s pure gold. And honestly, isn’t that what gospel music’s supposed to be? Comforting, familiar, but still capable of surprising you?
Here’s the kicker: listening to Morning Calm feels less like hearing an album and more like stumbling into a secret service at a small-town church. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. What it lacks in polish, it makes up for in heart—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
So go ahead, give it a spin. Just don’t blame me if you catch yourself belting out “Jesus Loves Me” while folding laundry.
