Produced by: Bubba Smith
Label: Daywind Records
Website: http://www.Austinsbridge.com
The debut release of the self titled Austin’s Bridge CD has arrived. Justin Rivers, formerly of the Crabb Family joins with Mike Kofahl and Jason Baird to form a progressive group with roots steeped in Country, Southern Gospel and Soul music. It’s hard to compare them to a pre-existing group, because they really are a great MIX of sounds. If you like the Crabb Family, Mike and Kelly Bowling, the Isaacs and the Martins, you’ll love this group, not to mention their resemblances to groups like Nickel Creek, Rascal Flatts and new CCM group, 33 miles.
“He Will Carry You,” written by group member Justin Rivers and Aaron Crabb is a great first impression. Inspirational and vocally expressive, I found myself rewinding this song over and over. The driving tune, “Dry Bones” will have you singing along with its catchy repetitive lyrics. “His Burden’s Light,” was a lyrical collaboration for two of the boys, Justin and Jason. The tempo is similar to the first two cuts and I’m ready to hear a change in pace. “He’s in Control” provides just that. The chorus has the boys boasting some of the tightest harmonies on the disk. “I am Free,” a story song written by Justin would do well on radio, and “This Is Love” could probably do well in CCM. Austin’s Bridge really seems to capture the meaning behind the words of this song with their vocals, and it becomes one of my favorites.
“Life’s Too Short” delivers a powerful message about the important things in life and reminds us to slow down. Indian chants and a prayer translating into “Thank you, my Creator…keep it Holy,” lead you into the song “History Turned the Page,” where the soul part of their sound really comes out. “What I Still Believe” is a nice change up with its piano driven melody as opposed to the guitar leads of most of the tunes. Southern Gospel fans will probably most appreciate this cut. The boys leave us with as strong a last impression as the first. “Jesus You Are,” was the album favorite for me. I just didn’t want it to end.
The guys chose meaningful songs, preformed emotion filled tight vocals and overall put together a solid record. This is definitely a good first step. They may have a broader appeal to CCM than SG though. As an SG album, it perhaps stylistically misses the mark a bit, never the less it is a well produced, arranged and preformed record and deserves a lot of credit for being a debut project of such quality. Some of the songs near the middle kind of ran together because of their similarities in instrumentation and tempo. So, I might have split them up, but other than that, I have no criticism. It’s a strong record, and people from several genres should give them a listen.
Song List
He Will Carry You
Dry Bones
His Burden’s Light
He’s in Control
I Am Free
This Is Love
I See Daylight
Life’s Too Short
Native American Prayer
History Turned the Page
What I still Believe
Jesus You Are
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 06/01/2007
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 8
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The first time I heard this cd I knew it was going to be one of my all time favorites. This group is outstanding! I play it for my 65 yr old mother and for the youth group at our church, the reaction is the same...they love it! Relating is the key and these guys have got it going on.
Great Sound ! It's different from all my other Christian CD's, my entire family loves it !
This is a group that has great potential - definately a group to watch. "History Turned The Page" is an awesome song. Great album with a refreshing sound.
I was trying to find someing on tv. I stop on the gospel music with the group Austins Bridge playing,I DO NOT DO GOSPEL MUSIC (EXP. FOR THE ISAAC) I was so moved at this group,I told Ed they sound great. I like the way they did BIBLE scriptures and the way they keep GOD on the thrown.I like the way they showed the love GOD.I was very moved. I used to go to church a long time ago.It has been a long time since I have felt present of God like that. Lisa oliver
These guys are amazing, one of the best sounding groups I have heard in a long time, and to be as new & young as they are and to have the sound and quality they have is awesome!! You haven't purchased this CD yet, this one to get for sure. If you know of someone like maybe a grandkid or a younger person in your church that you know likes today's country music get this CD for them as well! This is great for all ages!
LOVE THIS RECORD!!!
For my own personal tastes, I just couldn't get into this recording. I found it musically boring, and some of the songs really do sound the same to me. As they grow into who they are and evolutionalize, I'm sure that will improve, as well as the songwriting.
I probably would have given this recording a 3 1/2 star rating. It really isn't bad at all...but with all the hype, I was expecting much more.
I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT YES JUSTIN WAS A MEMBER OF THE CRABB FAMILY AND AT ONE TIME....BUT THAT IS NOT WHERE IS GOT HIS START..BRO. PAUL MAHARREY IS THE PERSON THAT HE BEGIN SINGING AND PLAYING KEYBOARD WITH WHEN IS WAS ONLY 12 YEARS OLD AND REMAINED WITH THE MAHARREYS UNTIL HE WAS 19 YEARS OLD. JUST WANTED TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT.PAUL MAHARREY DESERVES SOME RECOGNITION HE TOAUGHT JUSTIN SO MUCH ABOUT THE MUSIC MINISTRY AND WAS VERY MUCH AN INSPIRATION TO HIM.
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