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Sep

2005

Hope’s Call - Beyond The Music: An Acappella Collection

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Producer: Kevin Ward and Hope's Call
Website: http://www.hopescall.com
Song Titles: "Sweet Song Of Salvation," "Beulah Land," "The Lord Is My Rock," "How Can I Keep From Singing," "Glory To His Name," "How Great Thou Art," "Walkin' In Jerusalem (Just Like John)," "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing," "Change In Me," "I Sing The Mighty Power Of God," and "Oh Draw Me Lord"

Soprano Donna Beauvais of Hope's Call wanted to meet me at the National Quartet Convention in September 2005 so she could talk with me before I reviewed this CD. I always worry when an artist wants to do that. What if they think their product is a lot better than it really is and want me to build it up for them? Fortunately, there was nothing to worry about in this case.

Beyond The Music: An Acappella Collection pulls music from diverse sources spanning from a 1758 hymn ("Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing") to Larry Norman ("Sweet Song Of Salvation") to a couple of original numbers. Beauvais wrote "The Lord Is My Rock" and producer Kevin Ward co-wrote "Change In Me" along with Christina Cornell. Other traditional hymns on Beyond The Music include "How Great Thou Art," "Glory To His Name," "How Can I Keep From Singing," and "I Sing The Mighty Power Of God." A spiritual is thrown in for good measure ("Walkin' In Jerusalem"). The recording is rounded out by the Southern Gospel classic "Beulah Land" and a worshp song popularized in part by the group Selah titled "Oh Draw Me Lord."

Speaking of Selah, let's discuss the vocals of Hope's Call for a moment. If you're already a fan of one group, you should enjoy the other one. Both groups enjoy pulling music from a variety of sources. Hope's Call is probably the more polished group of the two, while Selah gets the edge on expressiveness. That being said, Hope's Call gets soulful on "Walkin' In Jerusalem" and pulls off a series of impressive three-part pitch bends on "Change In Me." A cappella singing leaves no margin for error, especially when the mix is relatively dry. "Beulah Land" has more reverb than most tracks, but it has an extended solo which would have been too dry otherwise. Overall, this recording is not drenched in electronic effects.

The vocal arrangements employed on Beyond The Music are impressive. As mentioned previously, the songs are diverse. Hymns from 1758 and 1860 sound right at home alongside modern songs. This is due to the sylistic consistency of the arranging and performances. The recording isn't completely perfect in my estimation, but the few complaints I have are way too insignificant to mention. I'm giving Beyond The Music: An Acappella Collection a high 4 1/2 STAR rating...borderlining on a 5. It rates right up there with the best a cappella recordings I've heard.

Reader Comments

Donna, Jessica, and Eddie are some of the most talented artist on the road today! More than their great blend and musical excellence - they are some of the nicest and humble people I have ever had the chance to get to know. I have this project and I suggest that you click to their site and order it TODAY!! You will NOT be disappointed.

Commented by On 09/30/2005

As usual, Hopes Call can NOT make a mistake vocally! I've been impressed since their first recording and they haven't disappointed me yet!
These are the most sincere and talented people in the industry. I'm convinced. This C.D. is awesome!

Commented by On 10/01/2005

I love Hopes Call. THey have been so good to me and my ministry. I haven't got the recording yet, but I plan to. I am sure that I will enjoy it. I heard them do "How Great Thou Art" live and they rocked it so I am excited to hear the entire CD.

Commented by Justin Endicott On 10/01/2005

These guys are awesome. I am not usually impressed with acapella recordings because I tend to find them boring...but this CD is superb. Hopes Call are true masters of the trade when it comes to singing. They are masters of their craft.

Commented by On 10/02/2005

I may be a little prejudice (just a little) but I think it's worth mentioning that this project is done with little or even no stacks. I personally don't have a problem with tastefully executed stacking but I say all that to say this. . . . To all of those that think todays up and coming SG artist are hiding behing the re-mix, Hopes call proves that there is still pure talent out there big time. If you have ever heard them preform one of their accapella numbers live, then you know this is true. Another thing, I have said it before and I will say it again that besides their unbelievable singing and their obvious dedication to the cause of Jesus Christ, they have what I feel is an undiscovered gem in the songwriting talents of Donna Beauvais. Most people in the industry have only begun to scratch the surface of her writing talents.

Commented by Debbie On 10/03/2005

Hey Guys!!! It was so great to see you at my church, Beacon Baptist, during the BBFI meeting. It is always a blessing to hear you guys. I bought the CD Beyond The Music: An Acappella Collection and it is so awesome. I listen to this everyday going to and from work, I think I know all the songs now. Looking for a 4th?? (Ha, just kidding). Not only are you guys talented, but you bring blessings as well. May God continue to bless you and keep you safe.

Commented by On 10/06/2005

Beyond the Music is one of the best CD's that I have bought this year. The harmony's are amazing! This CD is yet another great one from one of my favorite groups! Keep up the good work!

Commented by Christy Marble On 10/07/2005

On a five-star rating scale, I would have to give this CD project at least a 7-star rating or higher. Of all the acappella singing/recordings I have heard, this one is totally off of any scale you could use. To sing such complex arrangements with such tight family harmony so flawlessly is truly a gift from God, and from knowing Hope's Call personally, I can tell you they are quick to give God all the praise for His blessings on their ministry. I know I speak for all members of our ministry when I say that mere words cannot express how much we love all of Hope's Call and how grateful to God we are for placing them in our lives. Be sure to get a copy of this newest project right away because you're missing a great blessing!

Commented by Vertical Praise On 10/08/2005

Tim, Rachel, Rebecca, and I have such different tastes in music, that it is rare we find a group that puts us all on the same page. Hope's Call has made that happen for us once again! The Acapella Collection is one of the first CD's we reach for when we leave the driveway! We appreciate you guys so much!
Love from The Quicks

Commented by Sally Quick On 10/14/2005

This project was one of the first (of 44) that I played, on the way home, from what I bought at NQC this year. I was SO thrilled with their acapella sound and pathos on "How Great Thou Art" at the SSE Showcase, that I HAD to hear this project 1st.

I was not disappointed!

Folks, meet my new favorite mixed trio!

Commented by John Snodgrass On 10/24/2005

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