Add this entry to Your Favorites | [0] Favorites [1] Comments

Please wait...

Label: Nazareth Music Group
Website: http://www.themysterymenquartet.com

I love live recordings! It seems you really get to know a group when you hear them talk about their music and tell stories about each other. The Mystery Men’s latest live recording, "Alive and Well" definitely accomplishes that. The music is enjoyable and very ministry oriented.

There is no lack of talent either. With Ed Crawford formerly of the Kingsmen, and dynamite new lead singer, David Folienous, there is more than enough to go around. Chip Cooper holds his own on the bass part and Jim Peretic (tenor) hits some pretty impressive notes.

Pursuing and preserving SG in its truest form is part of the Mystery Men’s mission statement, and they do just that with the first cut on the record, "I Just Stopped By." "Sail Away" does more of the same, and gives you a taste of David’s voice, which you’ll be very familiar with by the end of the record. With a lot of emotion reflected in his tone, he delivers the powerful song, "One Drop." The first tenor spot comes in on this song as well. With a surprising musical stop and a dramatic key change, Jim does it right.

"Child of the King" picks things back up, with some good old fashioned piano licks and a little fiddle too. Putting some soul into SG, David shines stylistically. Then out of nowhere Jim blew me away with the classic "My God is real." I really enjoyed this rendition, and was one of my favorites on the album. "Never alone" follows up nicely with a big message and a big ending. "I Hold a Clear Title," previously recorded by so many of the greats, was a nice addition with its acoustically driven track. Chip, nicknamed "Mr. Smoothie" was featured on the country tune "Don’t Drive another Nail." Every member of the group has affectionately been given a nick-name; Ed "The Gentleman" David "The Gentle Giant" and Jim "The Professor." These guys seem to really have fun together.

"Inside the Gate," another BIG song is a crowd pleaser, and the group accomplishes some of their tightest sound on this cut. However, the best song on the record in my opinion is "I’m Ready to Go Home." The guys really seem to lock in their sound on this tune and have a little fun too.

I was less than impressed with the music on this record though. None of the tracks seem to be up to par with the vocals. The tracks seemed to be put together rather choppily, and the abrupt starts and stops took away from the overall enjoyment of the record for me.

In MY opinion the project’s mix, music and production just weren’t on the level that the Mystery Men should be recording at. Fortunately there is real talent in this group, as well as great ministry quality. I think you’ll enjoy giving it a listen.

Reader Comments

Add Comments

If you are seeing this form you are not a Member or have not logged in. Why not consider becoming a Member? All comments must be made with a valid email address. Comments with invalid email addresses are subject to removal.

Membership allows you to have a prepared signature of your choice applied to every comment you make, as well as the ability to choose an avatar to display next to your name to help identify your posts. Members are also given opportunity to vote weekly in our Weekly Chart as well as special Members Only contests, polls and giveaways during the year. If you are already a member, login here, otherwise please register here.

**Note: Forums membership is a seperate membership.

By posting you agree to our Comments Policy

Name:
Email:
Location:
URL:
Comment:
	Remember my personal information
	Notify me of follow-up comments?
Please enter the word you see in the image below: