
Produced by Roger Talley
Executive Producers: Mickey Gamble & Chris White
Label: Horizon Records
Website: http://www.talleytrio.com
I usually like to start my reviews off with a little paragraph introducing the artist and their history within the industry. Do I really need to do that with the Talley Trio? Do I really need to tell everyone that they have had seven #1 songs? How about the fact that they traveled on the Gaither circuit for several years? What about all the numerous awards this group has won – such as Singing News Fan Awards, Diamond Awards, and SGN Music Awards? I didn’t think so. The Talley Trio needs no introductions.
Rise Above is the highly anticipated new studio album from the Talley Trio – one of Southern Gospel’s most sought-after trios. Utilizing the amazing production talents of Roger Talley, the album kicks off with the strong “I Cannot Tell It All” that features a slight funky piano track and the Talleys’ splendid vocal arrangement. Always known for pushing the boundaries of what is Southern Gospel, the trio then kicks into the aggressive “Red Letter Day” written by Kenna West. Never sticking to their guns, the trio tries out some new sounds like the traditional Mosie Lister cut “His Hand In Mine” or the blazing pop-influenced “Mountain Mover”. “That’s Why I Believe”, another Kenna West tune features another aggressive track with a more guitar driven sound. “He Came Through” features a country-flavored and Black-Gospel tinged track and finds Lauren at her best vocally and the group at their best.
It’s not all unpredictable, as there are some tried and true Talley Trio songs found on Rise Above as well – such as the group’s cover of Avalon’s “Orphans of God” – a beautiful song that neither adds to nor takes away from the original. The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir original “My Help” is coupled with Andrae Crouch’s “My Tribute”, and it soars to stellar heights and should do exceptionally well for the group. “Speak the Word, Claim the Name, Plead the Blood” is another typical Southern Gospel song that the Talley Trio does well enough on – but it probably won’t be remembered as a Southern Gospel classics in years to come.
The Talley Trio is known for pushing the boundaries and picking memorable songs, such as the recording’s two big stand out tracks. “Truth Is Marching On” (written by Jim Brady, Tony Wood, and Barry Weeks) is a #1 hit in the making, speaking of the truth of the Gospel. “I Will Sing of Your Faithfulness” (written by Rebecca J. Peck and the Talley Trio) opens with Beethoven’s Piano Sonata #8 – and instead of just using the song as an introduction – keeps the classical piece laced throughout the song. (This is a technique that Richard Smallwood has been utilizing in Black Gospel circles for years, but has yet to really be seen in Southern Gospel.)
Overall, fans will be more than accepting of Rise Above – but let’s be honest – has the Talley Trio ever created a “bad” album? As always, the arrangements are wonderful and performed to perfection. Rise Above will definitely be one of the year’s highlights.
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