Produced by: Jason Webb
Down East Music, Inc.
Quartet purists will love this recording. The Down East Boys seem to have jumped on the traditional bandwagon with the last few recordings, as they have taken a turn towards a more traditional quartet sound, and with their last recording, even adding a bass singer, which was a definite plus for them. This recording continues that sound and proves that the Down East Boys are one of the most polished sounding quartets and they give pure Southern Gospel quartet singing a really good name. One thing that impresses me with the Down East Boys is that there are no real “stars.” Everyone plays an equal roll in the groups sound and no one singer overrides or overpowers the others. Vocally, these guys seem to work as a team.
Opening the recording are two excellent quartet-sounding songs, which only scratches the surface of what this quartet can do. The medium tempo “WHAT A DAY”, and the more upbeat “GOD’S GONNA BE GOD” both set the stage for a really great recording.
I found the title song “I REMEMBER THE TIME” quite captivating. Featuring John Stilley, the song basically gives a play by play of someone battling the convicting power of God from the beginning of a church service at 11:02 to the life changing moment at 12:09 when they were “feeling just fine.” It’s a great song, and makes me think of the classic song “Something Got a Hold of me.” The song should do very well for the boys.
Though not quite as low as Paul David Kennamer, Jr. from Valor (who last recorded this song), Stuart Cary lays a solid bass foundation and does a tremendous job on “LAY IT DOWN.”
Featuring each member of the group is the “Southern Gospel funk” sounding “THIS TIME” and is highly enjoyable and one you’ll be singing for a long time to come.
Bearing Ricky Carden’s trademark style as a vocalist, “MY PAST HAS PASSED” is definitely one of the highlights of the recording, as well as “WHEN THE MASTER WALKS BY.”
Though the message of “THAT’S WHAT PRAYER CAN DO” is outstanding, I feel this is the weakest song on the recording. Somehow the Down East Boys couldn’t duplicate the vocal and musical punch from the original version recorded by the now defunct male trio “Royalty” from a couple years ago. Awesome message, but lacks the enthusiasm the song deserves.
I never got to hear Jason Runnels much when he was with Tony Gore and Majesty, so it is nice to hear him really being used in a quartet. “HE CHOSE TO STAY” features Jason in fine fashion and is an excellent song depicting the love Christ showed us when He chose to stay on the cross. Rounding out the recording is the very upbeat “IT’S AMAZING” reminding us…“it’s amazing what little bit of praising can do.”
I was totally blown away by their last recording “Just Stand.” Though this recording was just as good as their last one, it wasn’t better. That’s not a bad thing, I just wanted to explain why they didn’t get 5 stars, which is the rating I gave their “Just Stand” recording. I was hoping to hear them build more on their newly refurbished sound. But this recording is still a notch above the average and ranks with some of the best recordings released in 2003.
Personal Favs: WHAT A DAY; I REMEMBER THE TIME; LAY IT DOWN; MY PASS HAS PASSED; HE CHOSE TO STAY
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 09/30/2003
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 9
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James, you are right on with this review. There are some great songs on this CD. Their harmony is as tight as any group on the road today. My only gripe was that there was no song information onf the CD cover. I know that John Stilley, their fine baritone wrote a song or two on this CD, but the liners never said which ones.
That will not stop anyone from enjoying the great singing on this project.
I agree...they didn't do that with their last project and I meant to mention it in the review.
With my last review I tried to obtain some of that information but never got an answer.
It is a loss that info is not on the CD.
The song What A Day was written by John Stilley and Jason Runnels, Gods Gonna Be God was written by Sandy Knight, I Remember The Time was written by John Stilley, Lay It Down was an old song we picked up. My past is Past was written by Chris Binion, Master walks by was written by Jason Runnels, Its Amazing what Praising can do was written by John and Jason.
Assuming Jason from Down East posted this, I appreciate it. It is nice to know who wrote what.
Thanks! 
Yes, it was Jason Runnels and you are very welcome. If I can answer any more questions let me know.
This Time was written by Kevin Womble, He (One) Chose To Stay was written by Drew Foster and What A Prayer Can Do was written by Mike Upright.
Thanks Kevin...I had wondered who wrote "What a Prayer Can do." I already knew you wrote "This Time", which is a cool song. Keep writing! :thumbsup:
A man in a nursing home where a group of us sings once a month asked me recently about a song entitled "It's amazing what praising can do?" With the help of Google I was led to your recording. I'm ordering it, but wanted to ask you whether you have heard of an older song with a similar title. During my internet search I saw a sermon which referred to an old Welch song by that title. I look forward to hearing your song and playing it for my friend in the nursing home. I suspect he has heard your version and was impressed by it. Thanks! Bob Fulton
Can you tell me who wrote the song'It's amazing what praising can do
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