With Promise Of Love, Thom Shumate introduces himself to the Christian music scene. However, since he lives and ministers in Nashville, he is really no stranger to it. Mark Chesshir joins him in the project as producer and writer/co-writer of several of the songs. Jim Weber also co-wrote several of the songs. There are several other Christian music notables that join in on the project: the opening cut, "Freedom, Love, And Forgiveness," offers a duet with Ashley Cleveland, Phil Keaggy makes a guest guitar appearance on "If It Was All Up To Me," and Nicole Smith and the members of Jackson Finch assist throughout.
This project combines a notable collection of lyrics with an eclectic and refreshing musical style. A first look at the lyric sheet might lead you to believe that it is a country album. The emphasis is on stories that are both intriguing and well told. The quality of lyrics easily approaches Bruce Carroll or Paul Overstreet. But the first listen tells you that this is anything but country music. Instead, a more contemporary sound greets your ears, complete with clear and bright vocals from Shumate and his collaborators.
"Freedom, Love, And Forgiveness" blends the story of a slave girl bought and set free by Lincoln with the woman who was saved from stoning by Jesus. It is followed by two songs, "Promise Of Love" and "Forgiveness," which both tell stories of fathers and daughters: the first of a daughter slipping away while her preacher father ministers to everyone else, the second of a father and daughter meeting after many years of separation and crossing the line to forgiveness. "Living On The Surface Of The Moon" is the story of a futuristic society without God that, in desperation, rediscovers God as the only answer to their problems. The project ends with "If It Was All Up To Me," a self-questioning song wondering if the tables were turned, would we die for Christ like He died for us?
In short, Shumate combines terrific lyrics with upbeat and contemporary music together with a real spirit for ministry to make an album that has to be the sleeper of the year. This is musically on a level with Tony Vincent or Brent Bourgeois, and should enjoy similar success.
