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Produced By: Johnny Minick, Aaron Minick and Michael Sykes
Label: River of Life Music Group
Website: http://www.Monumentqt.com
http://www.myspace.com/monumentquartet

Being familiar with father and son team, Johnny and Aaron Minick, I knew they had produced and played on this record even before I checked the credits listed on the inside cover. With some help from family friend, Michael Sykes, the three collaborated to create Monument Quartet's new release entitled "Stand Strong." "Glory Hallelujah Song," starts the record off on the right foot with an up-tempo song that would appeal to nearly any lover of SG. I'm sure this a great concert opener and would probably make a good choice for radio as well. You may not have heard of Monument Quartet yet, but you will. They are following in the steps of the Statler Brothers and providing good clean Christian entertainment with a life saving message. Touring fairs, festivals, churches and even a stop off at NQC, these guys are quickly making a name for themselves. With owner and baritone, Marshall Pugh leading the way these young men are determined to move forward in their aspirations.

" The One Who Carried the Cross," reminds me of something the Happy Goodman's might have done. In fact their are several moments on this project that made me think of the beloved family. Not that any of these guys sound like Vestal, but the instrumentation and style, was rather reminiscent of the best of the Goodmans. Monument's radio release, "Step Aside, John" is just one of Aaron Wilburn's offerings on the project. Its an easy listen and the guys accomplish some of their tightest sounding harmonies on it. "The Climb," caught my attention right away. What a great song! I think this cut has the potential to be a catapult out of "no name land," for the young group. "Go Right Out," is another radio release and has a Cathedrals feel. Followed by the title cut, "Stand Strong." This has long been one of my favorite Aaron Wilburn songs since he recorded it on a solo project back in the '80's. Hearing a Quartet do it, I almost didn't recognize the song, but nevertheless it made a strong impression on me. No pun intended. "I Have Found the Way," was a clean rendition and sets up the 50's style, Elvis Presley inspired, "Preachin' Man." Easily one of my favorites. Aaron Wilburn continues to impress me with his songwriting, even after years of hearing songs like, KPNR's "Four Days Late." "One Thing God Cannot Do," is another song to be added to that list.

Lead singer, John Tidwell has a pleasant voice and has the kind of vocal dynamics that Southern Gospel music cries out for. Songs like "God's Mighty Hand" give him a chance to really show what he can do. "Pray, Pray, Pray," fell a little flat for me. I've heard better versions, and then again being a reviewer, I've heard worse versions too. It was just there. "Stand Strong" ends with "Building a Bridge" a classic sounding quartet song.

Overall Monument Quartet has a good sound , and a solid record. There aren't any exceptional voices in the group. No David Phelps, George Younce, or Jake Hess, but the group is still a cut above a lot of quartets out there. The first half of the record was the best. It kept me interested no matter how many times I listened. The middle was still pretty good, but about the last 3 songs or so, I found myself wanting to push that nasty skip button. I listened to the project several times and always found myself reaching for that button at the same spot. The production quality was top notch, as expected from the professionals experience behind this album. I just felt like it lost some steam there at the end and didn't leave me with the kind of impression that will make me remember reviewing this CD. I do however think that Monument Quartet is just getting started, and I will likely have the opportunity to review a future release. I can say honestly that that is an experience I will look forward to. Still they are absolutely worthy of the 4 stars they received this time around and I would recommend giving it a listen. From what I've read, it sounds as if their live shows would be something to see as well.

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