In between their deservedly sold-out gospel program heyday of the 1950s and their millennial resurrection as elder statesmen of American music with famous guest stars joining on nearly every song on their albums, the Blind Boys made a few weak recordings. And, truthfully, this is one of them. It used to be called Holdin' On; so, why was it released with a new title and cover graphic when all of the songs remain the same? It couldn’t be to cash in on their relatively newfound success, could it? Well, assuming it is, worse musical crimes have been committed. If you do not have the original album, it’s got the boys singing well--they always do--and a few of the songs reach near-melismatic frenzy. Overall, the arrangements are tepid and lackluster. Newcomers to the heady delights of these golden age gospel shouters are directed to the high voltage "two-fer" collection of early 1950s material, Oh Lord, Stand By Me/ Marching Up To Zion. --Mike McGonigalFormed in 1939 by Clarence Fountain, Jimmy Carter and George Scott at the Alabama Institute for the Blind, The Blind Boys of Alabama performed on the traditional gospel circuit for more than 50 years before earning true recognition, receiving their first Grammy nomination in 1992 for their album DEEP RIVER. In 2001, the group’s SPIRIT OF THE CENTURY won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album. A year later, The Blind Boys of Alabama won another Grammy Award for HIGHER GROUND, scored their first Dove Award, and were inducted into the prestigious Gospel Music Hall of Fame. PRAYING TIME is a collection of twelve relevant and carefully chosen songs performed in the group’s innovative vocal and musical style, the perfect follow up to the group’s successful releases AMAZING GRACE and THERE WILL BE A LIGHT with Ben Harper. Featuring selections such as the classic "He", the title song "Praying Time", and the contemplative "Spirit Of The Lord Is Coming! Down", PRAYING TIME is a must-have for The Blind Boys of Alabama’s ever expanding and enthusiastic fan base.