The first full-length recording from Delaware’s premier Americana/gospel/roots/praise trio, The Reminders, makes a joyful noise indeed. This collection of original songs embodies several virtues that I can only note briefly here. Its deftly understated production and warm fidelity make it sound like John Thompson, Kevin Short, and Ed Shockley are playing and singing in your living room, favorite coffee house, or sanctuary. Thoughtful and inviting faith is sung here - faith in friends and family, faith in the tides and new chances, faith in the responses and calls of others to surpassing peace - faith in God. Like the narrators in their songs, these voices say we’re all creatures of history, wrestlers with demons, searchers for something sacred and moments of grace.

"Growing up in Delmarva and now living in Ohio, I am called home by this record. To smell the sea and hear a gently rocking buoy faintly toll blessings in the wake of a waterman’s mortal labors. To hear Ed Shockley and Deah Harriott’s gorgeously offered duet “Sanctify Me” above her sweet gospel piano. To hear Johnny Neel righteously wail for Jesus and play what could be my great grandmother’s pipe organ in Barratts Chapel with the Reminders singing live. To experience the collection close with “Somebody Say Amen,” truly one of Ed Shockley’s finest singing performances of a long and storied career. Throughout, to savor John Thompson’s masterful songwriting, guitar playing, and harmonies, and to appreciate Kevin Short’s rich baritone vocals and bass guitar.

If you’ve seen this trio, you already know there is humble brilliance in their work. Somebody say Amen."

-- Bill Rawlins, Professor of Communication Ohio University