Reviews

CD Reviews

Forever His– This old Sinner Testifies

Producer: Bill Martin/ Danny Brown/ David Johnson
Label: Harbor Music Group
Website: www.foreverhismusic.com

Most known for his stints with Kyla Rowland & Deliverance as well as Higher Calling, Bill Martin has assembled a new group which consists of his brother Randy, along with Steve Summers and Ronnie Perry. The group's sound isn't exactly what I would expect Bill Martin to ever be singing, as it is reminiscent to that of the Primitive Quartet, though not quite as grassy.

The recording features several songs written by Kyla Rowland including “THE REST OF THE STORY” (the groups first single) , “THIS OLD SINNER TESTIFIES” (formerly recorded by Gold City and Anchormen) , “I DON'T DREAD THE TRIP” , “GOD DELIVERED ME”, “BUT HE DID”, “THAT'S WHAT I HEARD” and “LIKE IT'S ALREADY DONE”. All the songs are done in very similar style, Appalachian acoustical/bluegrass stylings, and for the style presented, they are very well done.

Other songs include “GOD'S ONLY SON” (formerly recorded by the Primitive Quartet) , “PRAISE GOD, HE'S ALIVE” (previously recorded by the Jody Brown Indian Family), “SAFE WITH YOU AT HOME” ( recently recorded by Sharron Kay King ) and “WIND OF THE SPIRIT”.

Special mention must be given for the groups unique acoustical arrangement of the Goodman classic, “I BELIEVE HE'S COMING BACK”. I was pretty impressed with their arrangement of the song.

While never being a big fan of Bluegrass music, it seems that this is the road Bill Martin has chosen to take his group, as this is their second recording and they both fall into the same style and feel. For me, I find that at times some of the songs sound the same, and lacks variety, but by the same token, I did find that there are some great songs on here worth remembering. While I wouldn't call this a great recording, it's solid and quite good.

Personal Favs: PRAISE GOD, HE'S ALIVE; BUT HE DID; THAT'S WHAT I HEARD; I BELIEVE HE'S COMING BACK; LIKE IT'S ALREADY DONE