April 22-28, 2004

musicpicks

George Jones

country

George Jones' drunken 1999 car crash has not only driven the storied country vocalist back to Jesus, but back to producer Billy Sherrill, who, in Nashville circles at least, is pretty close to God. The Gospel Collection (Bandit) isn't Jones' first album devoted to the Lord's music, and Jones' battle-scarred voice has seen better days, but a certain world-weariness suits the songs; you hear every mile traveled along the way. (For comparison, check out the newly released Live Recordings From the Louisiana Hayride, whose earliest tracks date back to 1956.) Just cross your fingers and hope Jones remembers enough of his checkered past to pull out "White Lightning"; it wouldn't be communion without a little wine.

Thu., April 22, 8 p.m., $55, Keswick Theatre, Easton Rd. and Keswick Ave., Glenside, 215-572-7650.

—Sam Adams