2002/Down East Music
I remember the first time I ever heard the Down East Boys sing. It was 18 years ago in October 1984, and they were a quartet. A fine quartet at that! About 9 years ago, when Sherrill Futual who was their bass singer and owner retired, the group never retained another bass singer. The group’s sound constantly changed from one recording to the next, and you never quite knew what to call their sound. Now, they finally may have found THE sound they have been missing. If you are looking for a true Southern Gospel quartet sound, then look no further, because you’ve found it in the Down East Boys latest release, “Just Stand.”
The classic Vep Ellis song “I’M FREE AGAIN” gets the recording started in true quartet fashion. Featuring some great low notes by Stuart Cary, quartet fans will drool over this song. The group then tears into “I’M GONNA MAKE MY GETAWAY.” Featuring John Stilley, the group does a super job covering this current single for The Toney Brothers.
Ricky Carden does a fantastic job reviving the classic Dixie Echoes song from the early 1970’s called “I WANT TO SEE JESUS.” Although the Cathedrals recorded this song a few years ago, I really think this song should be considered as a single possibility.
Another good quartet sounding song is the song “IT’S STILL A THRILL.” While listening to this song, you can’t help but think that it sounds a lot like something Gold City would do. Give a good listen to John Stilley as he is featured on the song “HE THREW UP HIS HANDS.” Give a listen also to one of my favorite songs on this CD called “I’VE BEEN RESCUED.” This uptempo song would make a really cool single as well.
”HE KEPT LOVING ME” features tenor, Wesley Anders and he does a great job on this Carroll McGruder penned tune. The Down East Boys actually recorded this song 12 years ago (might I add while they were a quartet) and it sounds just as good today as it did then.
The group’s current single, featuring Ricky Carden, is “HE CALLED ME OUT.” Though I am sure this song will do very well for the group, there are a couple of other songs that I feel hold greater possibilities if they were released to radio. Only time will tell.
Bass singer, Stuart Cary, is featured on the Dottie Rambo classic, “HE LOOKED BEYOND MY FAULT.” Collectively, the group does an outstanding job on the chorus and they showcase some really cool harmony there, but I think the verse would have sounded better if Ricky had sung it. I never thought of this a song as a bass feature, and it just doesn’t work for me.
Another excellent single possibility is the title song, “JUST STAND.” This toe tapping song is one of those repeat button songs and is very enjoyable to listen to. The reprise is an added delight as well and hearing Stuart drag the bottom on his low note at the end of the song is every quartet lover’s seventh heaven. Tim Riley better watch out!
This is one of the finest quartet recordings to come out in awhile. Ricky did something right when he hired Stuart Cary and turned his trio into a quartet. They never sounded better. I just hope they can keep this sound going for more than one recording!
Personal Favs: I’M FREE AGAIN; I’M GONNA MAKE MY GETAWAY; I WANT TO SEE JESUS; I’VE BEEN RESCUED; JUST STAND
Rating: 
James Hales
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Written: 07/31/2002
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 1
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When I first heard the Down East Boys years ago I didn't care for their sound because it was not a Southern Gospel sound. It was, as I remember now, more of a contemporary Christian sound. But I attended a recent concert (2003) in the Jacksonville, Fl. area and they now have a solid traditional sound and are exciting to listen to.
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