Ryan Humbert is a singer-songwriter from Akron who's found old-time religion in gospel and soulful rock. Recorded at Akron's Musica, the
One Night Only: Acoustic Live CD-DVD finds Humbert hosting a rollicking, unplugged revival surrounded by a choir and four-piece band. The evening begins with Pentecostal spirituals like "Mission Temple Fireworks Stand," but as the ensemble drifts away from religion, it sounds only more inspired.
Humbert slows down the O'Jays' "Love Train" and applies similar treatments to Elton John's "Take Me to the Pilot" and Nick Cave's "There She Goes, My Beautiful World." Humbert sings as if he owns these tunes. He does, however, own a handful of weary-hearted originals that more than hold their own against the standards.