Canter Bridge

Mo Leverett’s New Orleans jazz, a vehicle of the most streetworthy and reflective Christian faith, is just the thing.

Sensuous, anchored, penetrating, persuasive, Leverett’s music celebrates life as a gift that is capable of thriving and enlightening journeys walked out in otherwise insufferable darkness.

Leverett’s convincing voice is ragged in the very best sense yet so very sure of itself. He celebrates his family—not least his ‘Cajun queen’—with no hint of embarrassment. If he’s preaching—this reviewer suspects he is—his words get into the listener’s ears and perhaps even through his pores before any defenses can be raised.

Leverett performs ‘Martyr of Mercy’, arguably the album’s jewel, like a craftsman intimately acquainted with his material:

Mercy is the beggar’s call
it’s the new beginning
let’s the shamed stand tall
mercy is the wailing wall
keeps the wayward winning
it’s the highest law

I’m listening waiting willing
to hear the quiet call
to let my spirit say
to sacrifice it all
to give it all away
like a martyr of mercy

Mercy is the judge’s friend
it’s the rich man’s glory
and the poor man’s pride
mercy is a gentle wind
it’s the favorite story
of the turned aside

Mercy is the love of God
it’s the song of angels
and the prayer of fools
Mercy is the golden rule
it’s the cry of kingdoms
and its crowning jewel

The voice of the biblical prophets, crying that justice might flow down like a rushing stream, is to be discerned in this remarkable music. At times it is best simply to sit, to be quiet, and to listen. Please do.

The Sacrament of Life is available at www.desirestreet.com.