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Sunday Edition


CD Reviews

31
May
2003
Sondra Burnett - “Sondra”


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RATING:



imageProducer: Woody Wright/Michael Sykes/David Ponder
Charis Music Group

I would have never suggested someone who is virtually unknown in the Southern Gospel industry to record an album of older songs as their “coming out” recording.  BUT, Sondra along with her producers pulled it off.  Chock full of classic quartet standards along with other oldie goldies as well as a couple of extra tunes for good measure, these classic songs are arranged in such a way that you’d almost swear they were new!  Sondra surrounded herself with a host of the best with such talented people as Ponder, Sykes and Wright, Michael English, Richard Sterban, Noel Fox, Judy Martin-Hess, Dirk Johnson, Bobby All, Scott Sanders, Steve Mauldin and others.  With a definitive country flare, very similar to Jessica King, Sondra tackles many songs that for the most part, only male quartets could sing.

Sondra’s first single is the song ”I CAN TELL YOU THE TIME.” I will admit, being a fan of classic quartet music, it took a moment for this new rendition to grow on me, but by the time the final chorus rolled around, I was hooked!

”IT’S ME AGAIN, LORD” is one of Dottie Rambo’s early compositions, and Sondra puts a nice spin on this rarely heard Rambo tune.  As much as I enjoy these new arrangements, the rendition of ”THERE IS A RIVER” just doesn’t work for me.  It is very well done; I am just not fond of the arrangement. 

It was neat hearing the quartet classic ”SWEETER GETS THE JOURNEY” done anew into Sondra’s unique style.  I have always loved this song, and really enjoy Sondra’s version of the song, even if it does have a line dance feel to it! 

”IT’S ALRIGHT” is one of my absolute favorites from this recording.  Recorded over 30 years ago by the Oak Ridge Boys, Sondra really outdoes herself on this song, which I feel would make an excellent single.  As a side note, ironically the late Noel Fox who sang on the original version with Oaks sang backup for Sondra on this song.

”LEAD ME TO THAT ROCK” is a true classic quartet number that dates all the way back to the early days of the Homeland Harmony Quartet.  Sondra does a superb job on the song, as well as the classic Jim Hill penned tune ”FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD,” which is a definite highlight of the recording.

Probably the closest thing to a “new” song found on this recording is one co-written by Ann Downing called ”LOVE GROWS HERE.” Offering a wonderful message of unity and love, this could easily be the anthem of what Sondra’s ministry to women is all about.

”HE LIVES HERE NOW” is a cleverly written song formerly recorded by the McRaes and Sondra puts her own spin to this edgy tune.

Another one of my absolute favorites from this recording is the classic ”WHEN I SAY JESUS.” Made popular back in the mid 70s by such people as Jimmy Swaggart and the Downings, it was a delight to see this song redone.

Quartet purists will probably not like this recording, but I have to say I thoroughly enjoy listening to it.  Though it contains mostly classic, previously recorded material, it’s fresh and exciting, and I really like what I hear.  Check what all Sondra has to offer via her website: http://sondraburnett.com.

Personal Favs: SWEETER GETS THE JOURNEY; IT’S ALRIGHT; LEAD ME TO THAT ROCK; FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD; WHEN I SAY JESUS

Rating:  4 Star Rating

Reader Comments

I LOVE this CD! I can't take it out of my CD player! James summed it up pretty well except...... and we usually always disagree. The song he likes the least. "There Is A River" is my Favorite on the project. Not being a classic male quartet fan, I have never been real fond of any of the songs on this project. HOWEVER, Sondra has shown me a whole new side, and like James said, they sound like completely new songs. The music on this CD is also Exceptional. If you like Jessica King, you are gonna LOVE Sondra Burnett! She's gonna be one of my new favorites. (and remember, I don't even like soloists as a general rule. LOL!)
GREAT review James!!!!!

Karen o/


Commented by Karen o/ On 06/03/2003

Like Karen and James have hit on, I LOOOOVEEEE this project!! I am so glad my CD player goes back to the beginning when the CD ends, because I just listen to it over and over and over. I never fail to be in tears when I listen to When I Say Jesus and It's All Right. Is she anything like the recording live? Has anyone seen her "live"? I want to know more about her LOL!!

Karen, I agree with you. I am not a fan of male quartets, but these songs are done in a way that any female group could do them. I give this a HUGE thumbs UP!

Hannah


Commented by On 06/03/2003

Like Karen and James have hit on, I LOOOOVEEEE this project!! I am so glad my CD player goes back to the beginning when the CD ends, because I just listen to it over and over and over. I never fail to be in tears when I listen to When I Say Jesus and It's All Right. Is she anything like the recording live? Has anyone seen her "live"? I want to know more about her LOL!!

Karen, I agree with you. I am not a fan of male quartets, but these songs are done in a way that any female group could do them. I give this a HUGE thumbs UP!

Hannah


Commented by On 06/03/2003

I have seen Sondra perform live and she is awesome! Not only can she sing, she has a great since of humor that will keep you grinning. She uses video and uses crowd participation. Also, Sondra gives a touching testimony of hope to those who struggle in life.


Commented by On 06/04/2003

James, I have already written you privately about this. It is human nature to point out mistakes and faults in others and we do that too easily. However, rarely do we take the time to notice the good and going the extra mile. What I am trying to say is that I loved the review that you did on Sondra's project. Obviously I love the rating obviously <grin>, but more importantly to someone like me who is a "rookie" about this industry and its heritage, you told the stories and history behind each song, who did them, who wrote them, etc. I'm a history buff and call myself a contemporary traditionalist LOL. I love both! Now I want to find the originals of all these to listen to!! I think you did an outstanding job and I appreciate it.

Bless you James!!

Shannon


Commented by Shannon G. Lynn On 06/09/2003

Thanks Shannon for the kind comments. I like to shed a slight historic light on some of my reviews, and this was a classic example. Great CD and I look forward to hearing a lot more music from Sondra!


Commented by On 06/10/2003

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