Joe Cocker - Hymn for My Soul

The very title of Joe Cocker's Hymn for My Soul suggests that this, his 2007 studio album, is a gospel affair, or at least something inspired by faith -- something that isn't true to the letter, yet there is something true about the spirit of this sentiment, for these are songs that serve as a tonic to Cocker's soul. He's pulled songs from several familiar sources -- Stevie Wonder, George Harrison, Bob Dylan -- and found other newer songs that share a similar sentiment, offering reassuring thoughts in troubled times. While nobody could ever claim that this album -- produced by Ethan Johns, son of Glyn -- has any grit, it nevertheless is warmer than recent Cocker discs, boasting a soulful heart (even if it has been polished and cleaned until it sparkles). If this isn't enough to bring long-straying Cocker fans back into the fold, it nevertheless is his best record in recent memory, and will satisfy those who have been looking for nothing more than a good, solid album from him, which this surely is. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Name Credits Albert Lee Guitar Andrew McPherson Photography Benjamin Ochieng Vocals (Background) Benmont Tench Piano Billy Mims Assistant Engineer Bob Babbitt Bass Brian Denbow Viola Chuck Findley Trumpet Dan Porter Mixing Assistant David Low Cello David Palmer Pipe Organ, Wurlitzer, Piano, Keyboards Don Heffington Triangle, Vibraslap, Conga Ethan Johns Mixing, Vocals (Background), Ukulele, String Arrangements, Engineer, Guitar, Harmonium, Hurdygurdy, Producer, Guitar (Acoustic) Greg Adams Trumpet Greg Leisz Guitar (Steel), Mandolin, Guitar James Gadson Drums Jennifer Johns Photography Jeri Heiden Art Direction, Design Jim Gilstrap Vocals (Background) Jim Keltner Percussion, Drums Julia Waters Vocals (Background) Julianna Raye Vocals (Background) Julie Gigante Violin Merry Clayton Vocals (Background) Mike Finnigan Organ (Hammond) Neil Comber Mixing Assistant Oren Waters Vocals (Background) Phillipe Levy Violin Ryan Corey Design, Art Direction Tata Vega Vocals (Background) Tim Young Mastering Tom Scott Saxophone