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Producer: Terry Thompson and Scott Mills
Website: http://www.southernbrothers.net
As their newly updated website says..."The Southern Brothers are back!" With the release of their new project Influences and the beginning of the 2006 "We're So Happy" tour with the Jeff Treece Band, things are on the right track for these guys.
From the first run on the piano to the last sustaining note that's sung, the quality of this project is evident. Produced by Terry Thompson and Scott Mills, the album has several "Influences" just as the
title suggests, though their southern roots hold true through the transitions between styles.
The first cut, "No Wonder I'm So Happy" is a toe tapping tune perfectly suited for it's position as their first radio release, and it really kicks of the record right. The honest heartfelt lyrics written by Dave Wilford in "God Knows" quickly grab your attention. However personally I felt that the rhythm changes on the chorus' and the unexpected key change disrupted the flow of this song. A great song which perhaps fell short of it's potential because of the musical arrangement.
Scott Mills, one of the members of the Southern Brothers, showed off his writing skills by contributing two songs on the project, "Did Angels Cry" and "Out of the Wilderness." "Did Angel's Cry" lyrics are captivating and the song really builds after the second verse. I'm sure it is absolutely powerful in a live setting.
"Out of the Wilderness" didn't really do anything for me, but I appreciate their attempt to infuse some different elements into their music. "Seek and Save" the group's second radio release is definitely blue grass, and reminiscent of something The Isaacs would do. "Walk Between the Lines" was a little strange for me, but again I'm reminded of the title of the record and it brings some understanding to their musical style choices.
Though it's been done over and over again in our genre, you can never go wrong with "I Bowed On My Knees." I enjoyed their version enough to make it one of my favorite tunes on the album. However my favorite song was a track by that very title, "Favorite Song," written by Don Dean of the CCM group Phillips, Craig and Dean. It really fit the Southern Brother's sound. In my opinion they hit their stride on this song. I'd like to hear them do more things in the same vein.
There is some really great pickin' on the record, and a lot of it is showcased in "This World Is Not My Home." Similar to "No Wonder I'm So Happy," and "Seek and Save," you can tell the brother's like doing this kind of song, and I'm sure it's a delight to their audiences as well. The project ends with a more traditional SG number, Carol McGruder's "I'm Going Home With Jesus." I think it's one of the strongest songs vocally on the CD. Very enjoyable, and the band sounds great on it!
I have to say that though I enjoyed the Southern Brothers, I found myself more focused on the amazing musicianship than the vocals. Overall this is a quality recording that shows the heart of these special guy's. Listeners will be pleased with their performance and blessed by their ministry.
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Written: 03/01/2006 
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CD Reviews
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