
Producer: Vic Clay
Label: Independent Release
Website: [url=http://www.themelodyboysquartet.com]http://www.themelodyboysquartet.com[/url]
A group that in the last few years has really begun to make itself known is the Arkansas based, Melody Boys Quartet. Why this group has remained somewhat in obscurity is beyond me, as they have a terrific pure quartet sound. I know they have a rich heritage in Southern Gospel history, but the masses really need to hear this quartet!
This newest release features several classic quartet numbers and some that are new, but still fit this group like a glove. Starting the CD off with a sound that makes me think of the Eagles and “Hotel California”, “FORTY DAYS AND FORTY NIGHTS” is a highly enjoyable song and one I find myself listening to over again. ”OH BUT IT’S WONDERFUL BEING A CHILD OF THE KING“ written by Dianne Wilkinson has all the sounds of a classic quartet.
”HE BOUGHT MY SOUL AT CALVARY“ is a song I hadn’t heard in a long time and features some really nice harmony and some excellent solo work by Gerald Williams. It’s good to see this Stuart Hamblen tune sung again as well as a couple of other classic quartet numbers, ”MY JOURNEY TO THE SKY“ and ”A WONDERFUL LOVE“.
Phil Cross wrote ”LEAD ME IN THE EVERLASTING WAY“ and features the capable baritone voice of Jeremy Raines, while ”I CALL IT HOME“ features former lead singer, Ryan Seaton.
Two songs that feature a great quartet sound are ”I’VE GOT THAT FEELING“ and ”CELEBRATION“. Both songs are positive inclusions and are definite highlights of the recording.
With the recent influx of patriotic songs, add ”STILL ONE NATION UNDER GOD“ to that list. Featuring a stellar performance by tenor Mike Franklin, this song is one of the more memorable patriotic songs I’ve heard in awhile.
This recording is very good indeed, but it lacks something. Let me be honest; this is not what I would consider to be the Melody Boys Quartet’s best recording. The group at times, sounded weak and I think the lead vocal needed to show more authority. It’s still a great recording, just not what it could be and not what one would expect from the Melody Boys Quartet. With the recent change in personnel, I’ll be interested to see how the group sounds on their next recording. Time will tell.
Personal Favs: FORTY DAYS AND FORTY NIGHTS; HE BOUGHT MY SOUL AT CALVARY; MY JOURNEY TO THE SKY; I’VE GOT THAT FEELING; CELEBRATION
|