4.5 star
CD Review: Just Stand (Legacy Five)
This review is overdue but I like to listen to a project a while before posting a review. Sometimes my response to a CD changes with listening to it, favorite songs change, etc. but it’ll be no surprise to Legacy Five fans that they have once again put out a top notch recording.
It’s hard to pick a favorite on this CD but several that could be a favorite depending on the day are “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” “Just Stand,” “Faithful to the Cross,” “My Soul is Firmly Anchored,” and “‘Til We Meet Again.”
“Above All Circumstances” features Scott Howard, who continues to be among my top two favorite baritone singers.
Tim Parton sings “One Thing God Can’t Do” which is “stop loving you.” I hadn’t heard him sing before but he has a sweet, gentle voice. That’s probably not what men prefer to be told but I can’t think of a better way to describe it. It matches his personality I’d say.
“Just Stand” is an uptempo number which features Glenn Dustin. This past weekend, I found myself singing this song and it was a tremendous encouragement.
Other songs include “When They Found Nothing,” “Thankful for the Change” and “Statement of Faith” which, along with Legacy Five, features The Booth Brothers, The Hoppers, and Greater Vision.
One thing that struck me in listening to this project is I’m convinced Scott Fowler is at his best. I’ve listened to Scott since he joined the Cathedrals but I don’t think he’s ever sung as well as he is now. All in all, a top notch recording with great songs, great harmony, and great arrangements.
CD Review: Simply…Faith! (The Southern Plainsmen)
As I was playing this CD this morning, I thought how fitting the first song was. “Good Morning Jesus!” is a great way to start your day–acknowledging God and proclaiming that every day with Him is a wonderful day.
I love the song “Come and Get Me,” written by Mosie Lister. The Perrys recorded it a couple years ago but the Southern Plainsmen did a good job as well on this traditional quartet style song.
A song I hadn’t heard before is “My Friends.” It talks about meeting friends in Heaven–very encouraging as most of us have friends or family we’re longing to see again. “The Devil and His Old Suitcase” is a different kind of song but points out that satan cannot linger where grace is present. “Walkin’ a Line” is a great quartet song which features the bass singer on the chorus. “Take His Hand” is a call to unbelievers to take God’s hand.
They also sing the Inspirations’ song “Touring That City,” Neil Enloe’s song “From a Star to Stripes,” Rodney Griffin’s song “Faces,” “Just a Little While” (another classic quartet song), and “I’m Getting Ready to Leave This World.”
This CD was actually recorded in 2008, commemorating the group’s 30th anniversary. I only found out about them last year and I’m sure a lot of you reading this have never heard of them either but I’m thankful there are groups like this who continue to serve God even if most people never know their name.
CD: “Singing His Praises” (Calvarymen Quartet)
This past September, I picked up a copy of the latest CD from the Calvarymen Quartet. I’d never heard of them before and it’s rare that a CD will hit me the first time I hear it but I have really enjoyed this one. The title is so fitting as it really is full of songs of praise to God.
The project starts with “I’m On My Way,” an uptempo traditional southern gospel song. Most people will know “Total Praise.” As I listen, I’m quickly swept into the presence of the Lord desiring to truly give Him total praise. “What Does the Word Say” has more of a jazzy tune while “The Blood On My Hands” is a mid-tempo song with the first verse sung by bass singer Darrell Young.
There are two “quartet songs” on this project: “Beautiful Shining Happy Golden Shore” (I love the bass singing on this one) and “Heaven’s Joy Awaits” which is an old Vep Ellis song. They even did a verse using the shape notes. I know several groups who do that in concert but I’ve rarely heard it on a CD.
I love the message of “He’ll Leave No Stone Unturned.” It’s the longest song on the project but conveys how God won’t stop reaching out to save that lost person.
Other songs on the project are “I’ve Never Had Water Like This,” “In His Arms,” “Going Home”, and an acapella rendition of “Gentle Shepherd.”
If you’re looking for a worshipful CD sung by a quartet, you will love this one.
