A lot of people have been waiting for the release of the latest Mike LeFevre Quartet recording. There are a couple of reasons for this. The first is to see where exactly MLQ goes with their musical direction. Their debut album featured a quartet in the same vein as Gold City or Mercy's Mark - traditional arrangements that pushed the edge. However, they released Total Praise last year, which was an album full of modern worship songs and progressive arrangements. The other reason people are watching MLQ is to see how Canaan records does in the Southern Gospel market.
Skeptics have nothing to worry about, because Mike LeFevre Quartet's Nothin' But Good is - just as the title suggests - nothin' but good. Musically, the quartet finds themselves somewhere in between their debut release and Total Praise - pushing the envelope in just the right places. The album kicks off with the traditional "Let Me Tell You 'bout Jesus" before going into the jazz-meets-African spiritual "Didn't It Rain". The listener has to wonder if the group is showing their hand early by putting such a fantastic number so close to the front of the disc. Things only get better from there - as "Take My Life" is Southern Gospel balladry at its finest - reminiscent of recent work by Brian Free & Assurance. "Glorious" sounds like it would have fit comfortably on the Total Praise recording with its worship vibe (the song was also co-written by group member David Staton along with Lee Black ad Kenna West) - and musically it sounds not unlike the Booth Brothers. "Big Mighty God" features a more country based sound - and they continue on that path with the Stacy Bragg-led "Last One Worthy".
David Staton pulls out a knock-out performance on "You Thought of Us" - a song that undeniably goes over well in ministry settings. More progressive songs abound as well - such as the catchy "It's Time to Sing" and title cut "Nothin' But Good". "It's Time to Sing" in particular is another album highlight. "Jesus Saves" closes out the recording in true anthem style - complete with Gospel choir - another song reminiscent of the Total Praise recording.
With songwriting credits going to group members David Staton and Gus Gaches as well as Joel Lindsey, John Lemonis, Sue C. Smith, Kenna West, Dave Clark, Travis Cottrell, David Moffitt, Kyle Matthews, Lee Black, and more - you know the songs are top notch lyrically. Jason Webb pulls off some fantastic production work, pulling in a fresh ear for the group. With Nothin' But Good - the Mike LeFevre Quartet have firmly established their sound in the progressive-meets-Church market arena. It works extremely well for the group. You'll be hard pressed to find a finer album that incorporates the two sounds.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 09/01/2008
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 1
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This is a very good project showcasing a great group. It's a little edgier than some out there but still very enjoyable. The guys have a great sound & beautiful harmonies.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
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