You may not have heard much of upcoming soloist Chris Hester - but trust me when I say that this guy's got the makings of becoming one of the most talked about soloists in our genre today. A few years ago, Hester made a name for himself when he hit the Solid Gospel network with such hit songs as "Come Home" and "Down On My Knees."
Hester returned in 2009 with the release of Steps I've Taken - an album that further solidifies Hester as "one to watch." Upon first listen, the listener is immediately drawn in by Hester's smooth baritone country crooner style. In fact, Hester bares an uncanny resemblance to popular Southern Gospel names like Mike Bowling and Kenny Hinson. The album kicks off with the extremely infectious and radio-friendly "Get Out There." Hester hits up other jamming country stylized sounds on cuts like "I'll Be There," "Standing In the Middle of a Miracle," and album highlight "Baptized."
Chris does a great job at pulling out a show-stopping emotional ballad on cuts like "Empty Handed," "He Already Knows What You Need," and especially tender "Put a Ring On It." Another song sure to be popular of fans of the more country sounds of Southern Gospel includes the Dottie Rambo cover "Tears Will Never Stain the Streets of That City" - a great duet with Misty Freeman. Misty's equally charming voice fits nicely alongside Hester's impressive vocal prowess.
With background vocals by the likes of Chris Freeman, Chip Davis, Randy Miller, Misty Freeman, and many more, along with the expert production work of Kevin Ward - it's not hard to believe that Steps I've Taken would be such a great album from this emerging artist. I would have loved to have heard a bit more variety, musically - as well as songwriting credits provided in the booklet. Even so, as long as Chris Hester continues down the musical path that he's on - there's no doubt that he'll be one of the industry's most talked about soloists.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 03/01/2010
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Category: Reviews
Comments: 0
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