The Gospel Way is a re-release of a gospel project that originally appeared on the Asheville, North Carolina-based Skyline label in the middle 1980s. It was recorded by the Crowe Brothers, Josh and Wayne, who were part of a trio that included legendary banjo player Raymond Fairchild. Although the Crowe Brothers no longer actively perform together, Josh maintains a highly visible profile in the music through his recording and touring activities with Raymond Fairchild. 1997 marks the 22nd anniversary of performing together for Josh and Raymond!

Josh and Wayne Crowe were bearers of a long-standing tradition in bluegrass and traditional country music, that of the duet singing brother team. They had a style that is reminiscent of the Louvin Brothers. Interesting to note is that of the thirteen songs presented here, eight of them are from the Louvin catalog. These include God Bless Her (Cause She Is My Mother), Gonna Shake Hands With Mother Over There, The Gospel Way, You’ll Be Rewarded Over There, Mother I Thank You For The Bible You Gave, Born Again, and He Was Waiting At The Altar. Charlie Louvin has commented that Josh has the same kind of tenor voice that Ira Louvin possessed, noting that Josh digs “way down deep in the guts” to force out the piercing high tenor notes.

Original songs also make up a healthy percentage of The Gospel Way. Skyline label owner and producer Marc Pruett composed two selections: “He Is Our Savior” and “He’ll Take Us Away.” Debbie Crowe, Josh’s wife at the time, contributed “It’s Because Of Sin” and “Help Me Walk A Little Closer.” Rounding out the collection is a Don Reno song that he recorded in the 1950s with Red Smiley, “Mother’s Bible.”

Lending excellent instrumental backing throughout the project is Raymond Fairchild on banjo and North Carolina musician Arvil Freeman on fiddle. Adding a touch of percussion is Randy Proshia, a drummer who was summoned to the session by Marc Pruett. Josh and Wayne Crowe play guitar and acoustic bass.

As Josh continues to make his mark as a solo performing with Raymond Fairchild, it is gratifying to have the opportunity to relive the songs and sounds which he and Wayne recorded more than a decade ago. This release should be a welcome addition to the collections of fans that enjoy the duet stylings of bluegrass and traditional country music.