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Producer: Valor
Chapel Music/Valor-Group Music

One word to describe this group and this CD…innovative.  Their modish sound is a unique blend of Contemporary Christian and Southern Gospel.  Call it “Hip” Southern Gospel or whatever; but this group is absolutely unbelievable!  This group’s cutting edge sound is definitely a cut above even the above average gospel artists.  I would put Valor in the same category of excellence and distinctiveness as the Gaither Vocal Band or the Cathedrals (though their sound is not Cathedrals style).

On this recording, Valor consists of Chad Bahr on tenor, Daniel Johnson singing lead, baritone John Laws and Paul David Kennamer, Jr. on bass.  Let me make a note here of the awesome talents of Paul.  This guy boasts an over 5-octave range, and has a style that is all his own.  To put it into perspective, Paul’s voice may not be as thick as Tim Riley’s, but it is just as deep, if not deeper. 

From the first notes of ”WALK ON THE WATER,” you just know you are in for a musical treat.  I absolutely love what these guys have done with this classic tune.  I could listen to this one song all day long!

Joel Lindsey penned the words to the awesome song entitled, ”TO THE CROSS.” Though Christ was worthy of all honor and glory, he chose to bear our burdens and our shame “to the cross…to give life to the dying, His blood was ransomed for loves greatest cost, for all that was hopeless and all that was lost, He was willing to go to the cross.” I feel that bass vocalist Paul, overdoes it with the vocal acrobatics on his solo in the song.  Granted, he has a lot of voice to play with, so I guess if you’ve got it…flaunt it!

”SATISFIED” is a southern gospel classic revived by the Gaither Vocal Band ten years ago.  Though musically, this version is very similar to the Vocal Band’s version, vocally these guys seem to take the song one step further.

Valor masterfully tackles two accapella numbers.  ”IS THAT THE OLD SHIP OF ZION” (yes, the same one the Kingsmen recorded in 1977) and the Gary S. Paxton classic ”HE WAS THERE ALL THE TIME.”

Though written over 20 years ago, Valor’s rendition of the Gaither penned ballad ”THEN CAME THE MORNING”, takes on a fresh new meaning as each member of the group takes on a solo in this song.  The ending of this song is quite impressive and unique and it just adds to the total innovative brilliance of the whole recording.

With an almost bluesy feel, ”HE TOOK THE CHAINS” tells the story of how Jesus took the chains off of Legion, and then turned around and took the chains off of me and how He can do the very same for you.

”HOME AT LAST” is the song every believer will sing when they finally walk through the gates of Heaven.  As the song says, “for all of Heaven waits, as the bride comes through the gate, Hallelujahs fill the air, Home at last!” What a celebration awaits the saints!

Southern Gospel to the core is the best way to describe, ”LAY IT DOWN.” A popular quartet number from the mid 1980’s with a solid bass feature, quartet enthusiasts will relish this song.  The soulful ”BROTHER” closes out this CD and like several of the songs on this recording, features each member of Valor.

The production quality of this recording is superb and the vocal arrangements on each song are just amazing.  Collectively, this group is incredible.  One thing that impressed me was how the music complimented the vocals.  This group is what is referred to as a true vocal band.  Their strength lies in their vocal talents and they don’t need slick musical arrangements to make them sound remarkable.  Don’t get me wrong, the music tracks on this recording are first rate and very modern, but the vocals get the front seat with this group.

Singing Southern Gospel classics with a new twist as well as introducing new songs, this is one CD everyone needs to experience!  Check them out on the web: http://www.valormusic.com.

Personal Favs: WALK ON THE WATER; TO THE CROSS; IS THAT THE OLD SHIP OF ZION; THEN CAME THE MORNING; LAY IT DOWN; BROTHER

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