BRUCE & BETSY MULLEN
Two Doors Down From Jesus
Two Doors Down From Jesus – I’m Safely In
The Arms of Jesus – Call on Him – Fried Chicken and Lemonade – Oh Dear
Brother – New Day
The Arms of Jesus – Call on Him – Fried Chicken and Lemonade – Oh Dear
Brother – New Day
Today must be good gospel day for me. Bruce Mullen had a
hand in writing all six of these songs (except “I’m Safely In The Arms
of Jesus which was written by Sonny Throckmortan), and also sings the
lead vocals. Excellently done ‘experience Jesus’ style of gospel music,
with terrific backing. Deanie Richardson is on fiddle doing a
remarkable job. Tim Atwood on keyboard; Billy Thomas on drums; Mike
Baker on lead and rhythm guitar; Matt McGwee on bass; and John Hienrich
on pedal steel, flute, and mandolin. What’s interesting about this
particular gospel offering is that the Mullen’s have included the
‘tracks’ of the songs they cut in the studio, along with a lyrics sheet,
so anyone can sing along with these great story songs. With the
Mullens, or without, it’s both fun. I thought I might have recognized
the name “Bruce Mullens” and I was right. He recorded for Dot Records
in California. He also worked with and for Buck Owens, and signed with
Capitol Records. The Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado is the home of
Buckskin Joe, where Bruce entertained for 25 years. He and his wife
have three grown sons, and now spend time with the TRAVEL’N OPRY covered
wagon show doing classic country and gospel music. The couple lives in
the state of Washington, but it doesn’t say where they recorded this
extremely well done CD. Bruce is very good at writing ‘story’ songs,
which is so missing in today’s top-40 country music. I got this CD a
little late, but I’m going to forward it to the Rural Roots Music
Commission anyway. They still have some time to select Gospel CD of the
year awards, and besides they also have many categories. Both Bruce and
Betsy are fine vocalists, and I believe Bruce plays guitar, and Betsy
plays guitar-bass. Terrific combination of love-infused Christian music
from both of them. My favorite song is “New Day” I like the lead line
really well, and the lyrics are very inspirational.
hand in writing all six of these songs (except “I’m Safely In The Arms
of Jesus which was written by Sonny Throckmortan), and also sings the
lead vocals. Excellently done ‘experience Jesus’ style of gospel music,
with terrific backing. Deanie Richardson is on fiddle doing a
remarkable job. Tim Atwood on keyboard; Billy Thomas on drums; Mike
Baker on lead and rhythm guitar; Matt McGwee on bass; and John Hienrich
on pedal steel, flute, and mandolin. What’s interesting about this
particular gospel offering is that the Mullen’s have included the
‘tracks’ of the songs they cut in the studio, along with a lyrics sheet,
so anyone can sing along with these great story songs. With the
Mullens, or without, it’s both fun. I thought I might have recognized
the name “Bruce Mullens” and I was right. He recorded for Dot Records
in California. He also worked with and for Buck Owens, and signed with
Capitol Records. The Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado is the home of
Buckskin Joe, where Bruce entertained for 25 years. He and his wife
have three grown sons, and now spend time with the TRAVEL’N OPRY covered
wagon show doing classic country and gospel music. The couple lives in
the state of Washington, but it doesn’t say where they recorded this
extremely well done CD. Bruce is very good at writing ‘story’ songs,
which is so missing in today’s top-40 country music. I got this CD a
little late, but I’m going to forward it to the Rural Roots Music
Commission anyway. They still have some time to select Gospel CD of the
year awards, and besides they also have many categories. Both Bruce and
Betsy are fine vocalists, and I believe Bruce plays guitar, and Betsy
plays guitar-bass. Terrific combination of love-infused Christian music
from both of them. My favorite song is “New Day” I like the lead line
really well, and the lyrics are very inspirational.
Bruce & Betsy Mullen, P O Box 1151, Northport, WA 99157
REVIEW BY BOB EVERHART – NTCMA – www.ntcma.net
for Country Music News International Magazine