Mark209


Members: Sign In/Sign Up Members: Sign In Not a Member?  Sign up!
Community Newsletter 

CD Reviews

James Hales's photo

Diplomats - Down to the River

Producer:  Mike Pillow/James Pearson/Corey Pearson
Label:  Gospel Heritage Records
Website:  www.diplomatsqt.com

I have heard their name over the course of several years, but this was my introduction to the music of the Diplomats.  I consider their music to be a cross between the old Sego Brothers & Naomi and Happy Goodman Family, but with a bit of the Perrys thrown in.  Maybe you could call it the New-Old School sound, with a down home, campmeeting flare.

Starting off with the uptempo, "I BELIEVE", the songs leads very well into the classic, "WON’T IT BE WONDERFUL THERE".  Things slow down for the reflective, "WHEN I LOOK AT THE CROSS" and the Dottie Rambo classic, "THE HOLY HILLS" (which features a nice country feel to it) before the pace picks back up for the energetic title song, "DOWN TO THE RIVER".

It was nice to hear the Rusty Goodman classic "WAIT’LL YOU SEE MY BRAND NEW HOME", which fits the Diplomats like a glove.  This is actually my favorite song on the recording.

The country tinged, "IF I’M STILL HERE" is next before moving on to the old quartet standard, "I’M WINGING MY WAY".  This is probably the weakest song vocally, on this recording, while the jubilant, "WHEN I GOT UP," offers up one of their strongest performances, before things close out with the Goodman favorite, "HALLELUJAH".

Fans, like myself, who do enjoy the "old school sound", will probably really enjoy the Diplomats.  In a way, I felt cheated because though you get the standard 10 songs, the recording runs just a hair over 28 minutes and with half the songs under 3 minutes in length (and two of those under 2 minutes), it does make for a very short recording.  The song selection is good, vocals are good, tracks are good…the overall quality of the whole recording is adequate, but where there may be some thing’s lacking, the group more than makes up for it with their powerful vocals and heartfelt singing.  I am glad I finally got to hear this group; this will be a recording I will be enjoying for a long time to come and I look forward to hearing a lot more from these guys.

Personal Favs: I BELIEVE; WHEN I LOOK AT THE CROSS; THE HOLY HILLS; WAIT’LL YOU SEE MY BRAND NEW HOME; WHEN I GOT UP

About This Article - Diplomats - Down to the River

James Hales's avatar Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 03/15/2006 | Category: CD Reviews Comments: 16
| RSS Feed | (What's an RSS feed?) |


Ads Sponsored by Southern Spin

Reader Comments

  1.    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 03/16/2006

    The song Down To The River has to be one of the BEST Southern Gospel songs out there right now. When you hear it you just have to sing and move. It's so powerful..

  2.    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 03/16/2006

    The Diplomats are my favorite southern gospel group. I LOVE this CD. It lift's me up! The best part is these guy's really mean what they sing. They are as sincere as they come. They have such a love for the Lord and seeing souls saved. It really comes through in there music, especially when you see them in person.
    I love all the songs on this CD so much it's hard to pick a favorite... but I guess if I had to pick one it would be "When I got up"... I knew I'd been changed!! MY MY how true!

  3.    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 03/16/2006

    The Diplomats are one of my most favorite groups. Their music is heartfelt and real. I have this CD in my truck right now and I love it tremendously. Great songs and great feeling. Like having church in my truck. You must see a show in person to truly see how God works through this group.

  4.    Kevin Wicker ~ 03/16/2006

    I've been a Diplomats fan for several years, and it's good to see Jimmy take the helm once again. This new record is a winner in every way. Looking forward in seeing them back on the charts.

  5.    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 03/16/2006

    You MUST get the new recording by the Diplomats -Down to the River. I have been revived by The Spirit which is channeled through my favorite gospel group. This CD is a blessing. The Diplomats overflow with contageous energy and the real good news of Jesus Christ. But, you owe it to yourself to see this group in a live concert. They make you feel like family and their singing is exceptional. You gotta love 'em.
    Regena

  6.    Tim Davis ~ 03/16/2006

    I have known The Diplomats for a number of years. I have both enjoyed their music as a listener as as a co-performer in various concerts. I not only think this CD is great. But I know them to be wonderfully dedicated to The Gospel Of Jesus Christ. I would highly recommend them to any church or concert promoter who is looking for great performance and annointed ministry.

  7.    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 03/16/2006

    I have known the Diplomats for many years. They have recorded many great songs lately. Down To The River is one of my favorites. Another favorite that was recorded earlier is Thanks To Calvary. Jimmy wrote this song as well as many others recorded recently. I have used their sound tracks to sing at church. Go out and hear this quartet and you will receive a blessing.

  8.    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 03/16/2006

    I have known the Diplomats for A number of years,
    and they are truely A favorite of mine in southern gospel.They are an outstanding group,as
    well as being dedicated to the gospel of Jesus Christ.They can Minister to your hearts in song,
    as well as preaching the word of God. This new
    song,"Down To The River",is A very powerful
    song,and is A real Blessing to hear.
    We Love you Guys.Keep up the good work for
    the Lord.

  9.    scotty ~ 03/16/2006

    WOW!! What a honor for these guys. I am proud to call these folks friends. It's a honor to get to share a label and the stage with such wonderful people and singers. They are some of the finest people, singers, and friends you will ever find. I am so proud for the Diplomats and look forward to being with them soon. Great Job and God Bless!!

  10.    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 03/17/2006

    The Diplomats are our favorite southern Gospel group and their new CD
    "Down To The River" is their greatest.It's so Spirit filled. Each song is such a Blessing. We have known The Diplomats 20 something years and all of their recordings have truly Blessed our Hearts so much. Also, having known Corey from a little boy to a wonderful grown young man and have seen God Bless him with so much wonderful talent, our hearts rejoyce and Blessed so much. Anytime you have a chance to attend one of their singings I encourage you to go hear them, you can feel Gods presence in their singing and You will receive a wonderful Blessing. Thanks Diplomats for your friendship and your wonderful testimony for God. Our Love and Prayers, Marie and George

  11.    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 03/17/2006

    the diplomats have been my favorite group for a number of years now. when they started singing DOWN TO THE RIVER i realized why i love them so much. that song has blessed my heart over and over again.it has to be THE BEST song on the charts today.
    GOD BLESS YOU DIPLOMATS!!!!!!!

  12.    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 03/19/2006

    The Diplomats are truly a great Southern Gospel Group and one of my favorites. I enjoy going to their Concerts whenever possible. You just have to go to one to see what a blessing you can receive. The recording "Down to the River" is a very moving song. I think it is great! Keep up the good work folks. God Bless.

  13.    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 03/22/2006

    Have you not had the privilege of hearing the Diplomats sing? You can not
    imagine the joy they bring to you. Their
    desire and goal is to give GOD their very Best they have. We treasure their love and friendship.

  14.    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 03/23/2006

    I love this group! They are the very best in Southern Gospel. They always give 100%. The Diplomats ministry continues to be a blessing to all who hear them. The "Down To The River" CD will always be one of my favorites.

  15.    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 04/17/2006

    ONE OF THE MOST PREMIRE MIXED GROUPS IN SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC TODAY NOT JUST THEIR TALENT WHICH IS GREAT BUT THEY ARE ALSO DOWN HOME PEOPLE WITH A GREAT MINISTRY
    PROUD OF YOU GUYS

  16.    .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) ~ 04/29/2006

    I've known jimmy all of my life, and i am so proud to be called a friend. he and his family really sing in a truly spirit filled manner, you cannot help but be blessed. i too strongly recommend that you go hear this group.

    Danny S



  17. Page 1 of 1 Comment Pages

Write your comment...

By posting you agree to our Comments Policy

You have not synced your Facebook account with your account on our site to use this feature.
You can still sync your accounts if you want to post this to your Facebook wall:







Remember my personal information


Please enter the word you see in the image below:

   Direct Out Audio




Visit Gospel Music Zone



Recent Features

  • A Blessed People
  • Shameless Self Promotion
  • Poet Voices To Be Heard Again! And online no less!
  • An Amazing Winter
  • Hard to Believe!
  • Fried Dill Pickles & Love Songs
  • Over 80,000 Views!
  • Lessons From Four Footed Creatures - Part 2
  • Russ Taff - Never Forget Where We Came From
  • Morgan Easter - Not Without Love
  • Southern Gospel Love Stories
  • And Now For Something Different: Never Stop Holding Hands
  • Expecting Great Things
  • Life In the Word: Life Essentials Study Bible
  • Blessed Are the Ready For They Shall Be Raptured
  • Christian Fiction Queen: Wonderland Creek
  • 2012 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards - VOTE NOW!
  • The Glorious Gift of Harmony
  • Thou Shalt Learn To Encourage Thyself
  • Connections: A Quiet Ministry
  • McCray Dove - In Conversation…
  • 10 Things to Know About Jim Sheldon
  • Susan Unthank Memorial - One Year Later

  • Recent Comments

  • spirit7productions on: Thou Shalt Learn To Encourage Thyself
  • Lena Aldridge on: Pathway Records/AbsolutelyGospel.com Talent Contest Begins May 15th
  • Greg Brewer on: 2nd Generation Announces Addition of Josh Adams to Group
  • .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on: SG History 101 - Blue Ridge Quartet
  • christopher reed on: Jaidyn's Call - Blessing In Disguise

  • » moreCommunity Talk

  • Looking for Lead or Tenor
  • Southland Harmony Boys at Heavenly Ribs, Sumiton, al. Feb 14th
  • DIXIE ECHOES/BRIDGEMANS - CUMMING, GA - FEB. 19
  • Daybreak Quartet Feb.12 Mount Vernon Baptist Murrayville, GA/Gainesville/GA
  • NQC Talk 2012
  • The Jonathans and Soul'd Out - Ranburne, AL - March 25, 2012
  • Soul'd Out Quartet in Concert on Saturday, March 31, 2012 Matthews, IN

  • Archives

  • Archives