Lots of great CDs have come across my “desk” lately, and I just don’t have the time to give each the full review they probably deserve. But I want to get something out there, so today and tomorrow, I will give very brief reviews of these projects. Enjoy!
Family Ties (Wilburn & Wilburn)
With the exception of a couple of songs, most of this recording is either Jonathan or Jordan Wilburn featured in a primarily solo setting, with background vocals. Maybe adding a tenor or alto could solidify more of a “group” sound. The good news is that this CD has some excellent songs, and the father and son are both in fine vocal form. It’s very much a country-style album (with some bluegrass and blues thrown in), with several songs that really jump out musically and lyrically. It’s a fun listen, even if you’re more of a quartet man like me.
4. 5 stars
Best tracks: A Cross Became My Saving Grace, Jesus Will, Devil Be Gone, I John, You’ll Still Be There
Might want to skip: Mama
A Wonderful Life (Legacy Five)
This is just the type of recording we’ve come to expect from Legacy Five. They are not what you’d call a power quartet, with a large chunk of their material being light, jazzy fare. The cover of “For What Earthly Reason” is very well done, though not the caliber of the iconic original. There are several solid songs and the quartet has a nice blend, but there are maybe a couple too many of those diddies.
4 stars
Best tracks: Living in the Palace, Destination Known, For What Earthly Reason, Nobody Ever Loved Me Like God Does
Might want to skip: God Is Still in America, God Had a Hand in It
Modern Pioneers (Song of David)
I have to admit I had never heard of this guy (actually a soloist named David Bryan) until I received this CD, but I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of some of the songs. Bryan is a modern country-style singer, and the music here is predominantly the type you would find on a country album. For something that sounded so strongly like a secular country recording, there are really some great gospel lyrics. The cover of “The Holy Hills of Heaven Call Me” is a real standout. The bad news is that there aren’t quite enough good songs to make it a great recording from top to bottom. But most gospel music fans should find some stuff to like here.
3.5 stars
Best tracks: The Holy Hills of Heaven Call Me, Power in His Name, Peace (When I Leave It in Your Hands)
Might want to skip: Modern Pioneers, One Step
Brighter One (Marshall Hall)
The first post-Gaither Vocal Band solo effort from Marshall Hall is certainly on the progressive side, with an eclectic mixture of styles. Fans of progressive gospel or contemporary Christian music, and big fans of Hall himself, will find a lot to like on this album. Traditional quartet fans will have a hard time with it. Personally, I like Marshall’s vocal abilities and I found some songs to be enjoyable, but it was a difficult listen for me overall.
3 stars
Best tracks: 30 seconds of I’ll Fly Away, There Is Nothing Greater Than Grace, I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About to Happen
Might want to skip: Alive, Beautiful Scandalous Night
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