Producer : Jim Mahalick/Tim Garland
Label : Independent Release
Website : http://www.jimmahalick.com
Most people will remember Jim Mahalick from his tenure with the Hoskins Family. Though Angie was the base for the Hoskins Family’s sound, it was Jim that really gave them that soulful and warm feel. Jim has a voice that is very easy to listen to. He can go from country to blues to inspirational and master those styles with such finesse and warmth. Vocally, I don’t think there is much this guy can’t do, and this solo effort really does a good job showing off his versatility.
Formerly recorded by the Gaither Vocal Band a few years ago, the title song, "NEW HOPE ROAD " is a song Jim makes all his own as he gets the recording started on a good note. Jim turns in his own renditions of several cover tunes including "THE MOON AND I " (Jeff & Sheri Easter), "HE’S THERE " (Woody Wright/Mark Lowry), "SOMEBODY GIVE ME A STONE " (Martins), "WITHOUT THE CROSS " (Greenes) and "THERE YOU ARE " (TaRanda Greene). While the Hoskins Family recorded "CAN YOU SEE ME ALRIGHT " last year, it was Jim who recorded it first and sat on it to be included on this recording. Jim turns in excellent vocal performances on these tunes and really proves himself to be an excellent soloist in his own right.
The remaining titles, "THINK OF ME " (an excellent duet which there is no credit given), "FIRST DAY IN HEAVEN " (written by Mahalick), "HEAL ME " and "DYING TO SEE YOU " (also written by Mahalick) are all given excellent treatment and do a great job showcasing the heartfelt vocals of Mahalick.
While there are several cover tunes on here, Jim manages to capture his own unique feel and turn in some excellent original performances on these songs, though not straying too far from the original versions. The music tracks are quite good, though from my viewpoint, there is a small margin of inconsistency in the quality of the tracks from song to song, and I realize most people probably won’t even notice. It definitely doesn’t detract anyone from enjoying this CD. When compared to his last solo effort from a few years ago, this most definitely is a step up for Jim.
As a footnote, there are great singers in our field of music who, while they are truly great singers, don’t make good soloists. It’s artists like Jim Mahalick that make great singers, AND come across magnificently well as a soloist.
Personal Favs: NEW HOPE ROAD; THINK OF ME; CAN YOU SEE ME ALRIGHT; WITHOUT THE CROSS; THERE YOU ARE
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 10/15/2006
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 8
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I got a copy of Jim's prerelease when it was first avaliable. It was so awesome that I immediatly went online to get the finished project. With the finished piece the quality is remarkable. Jim you are an amazing vocalist and awesome songwriter! Your talents never cease to amaze me. Hats off to you on your new endeavors.
Jim,
Hey Jim,
Great review, but only three and a half stars? Oh well, just because I think it deserves five, doesn't mean everyone has to! I have been a fan of Jim's since LONG before The Hoskins Family, and it's great to see him getting some recognition, and such a good review. Sometimes solo artists get overlooked, but I think a lot of people will be missing out on a LOT of talent if they overlook this talented guy! He's a real sweetheart too. Good luck Jim!
Love the duet with Amber Thompson!
Jim I really enjoy your singing, no doubt you have the best voice I have ever heard.
JIM,
Jim, what a singer! I could listen to you sing all day long.
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