Joe Ross
Talent on Display
COCKMAN FAMILY – The Promise
CF Records CF-2006
P O Box 63, Sherrill's Ford, NC 28673
TEL. (828) 478-4306
Email jcockman [at] charter.net
http://www.cockmanfamily.com
Playing Time – 43:09

   From North Carolina, The Cockman Family (John Cockman, Sr. and his five children) have been performing for nearly two decades. A seventh family member (John’s wife Jane) is a music instructor and songwriter who provides advice concerning song arrangements. The family has made appearances at Dollywood, Opryland, and it was named one of a dozen “most creative families in America” by American Greeting Cards and USA Weekend. "The Promise" is their first CD since their 2002 Christmas album.
   Of the thirteen songs, The Cockman Family presents about an equal number of traditional hymns and original songs. Very radio-friendly, their songs are welcomed on gospel stations ("He Giveth More Grace") as well as on bluegrass programs ("Thank You for Your Blessings"). Carefully cultivated, their song selection and arrangements allow for considerable individualism from the family members. They have exceptional talent as songwriters, vocalists, and instrumentalists.
   Caroline, David and John Cockman Jr. penned the originals for this project. A Physics Instructor at Appalachian State University, John wrote and sings the title cut, a ballad about enduring love. “Looking for a Place to Cross” has John “just testing out the water, just waiting for the tide” along the River Jordan. While not the family’s strongest lead vocalist, David sings his own “My Name is in the Book” and dismisses Satan’s attempts to pull him down with pain and strife. The three originals from Caroline have direct, warm and conversational messages. In “Thank You For Your Blessings,” Caroline declares, “I just want to stop right now and thank you, Lord, for giving me the joy of one more day.” One of my favorites on the album is “He Giveth More Grace,” that provides some strong support and encouragement when “you feel like you’re standing on sinking sand, with the weight of the world on your shoulders.” A common bluegrass gospel theme is found in “One More Day,” with its tale of a troubled, despised and grieving soul seeking mercy, redemption and salvation. Because of her beautifully expressive vocals, John Sr. calls her the “little rose among the thorns.”
   Comparable to their skill as cabinetmakers and furniture designers, The Cockman Family apply the same principles of artistic creation to their music. There’s no denying the excitement on “The Promise.” The set of music offers many moods, up-tempo bluegrass arrangements along with more reflective songs with minimalist touches. With expressive vocals and sparkling solos, this family is a group of paramount originality and creativity. There’s a bright and spiritual glow that radiates from this latest album of the entertaining Cockman Family. (Joe Ross)
 

Dave Higgs
Nashville Public Radio
Bluegrass Breakdown
PO Box 4369
Clarksburg, WV 26302-4369

Hey John, I wanted to shoot you a some belated thank you for sending us a copy of your new CD, "The Promise." As you well know, there's a huge difference between performance and ministry and the most powerful gospel records always seem to accentuate the latter over the former. "The Promise" is such a record--a deeply moving set of gospel tunes that cut across a wide swath of traditions. I really enjoyed the original tracks as well as the spirited rendering of such classics as "Meeting in the Air," "Old Time Religion" and "Nothing But the Blood." These performances are full of life and passion -- and carry a wonderful message. Thanks again for truly anointed music. I'll be doing my best to get the word out in Nashville and in our other syndicated locations.