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Palmetto State Quartet – When it Pours, God Reigns

Producer: Jeff Collins
Label: Sonlite Records
Website: www.palmettostatequartet.com

Known as one of the finest traditional male quartets on the road today, fans of this style will love this new release by PSQ. Filled with songs written by some of today's finest songwriters including Daryl Williams, Tim Lovelace, Chris White, Tery Wilkins, Dianne Wilkinson and Chris Binion among others, those who wonder if anything was lost with the absence of Tony Peace, can put those fears aside as Rick Fair not only adequately fills, but he overflows the shoes vacated by Peace and the group sounds as solid as ever.

The easy flowing medium tempo of “WHAT A PRIVILEDGE TO KNOW HIM” gets the recording started before moving on to another medium tempo number entitled, “HE'S REAL” which features a very good performance by bass vocalist, Aaron McCune. This song is something you would not expect a bass feature, but it works really well for the group.

The first single from this recording is the title song, “WHEN IT POURS, GOD REIGNS” and it features that classic sound that PSQ is known for and features a solid performance by newest member, Rick Fair.

The novelty song, “IF YOU HAD THE ONLY KEY” , penned by Tim Lovelace, makes me think of a song called “What Kind of Church” that JD Sumner & The Stamps did back in the early 1990's. No doubt, this song will become a favorite of many, as will the medium tempo “MERCY MET GRACE”, which features performances by Rick, Kerry Beatty and John Rulapaugh before it's all over with.

Recently recorded by Promise , “I SHALL NOT BE MOVED” , featuring Kerry, showcases a solid male quartet arrangement, but after hearing the aforementioned version of the song, this version pales in comparison, in my opinion. Another solid male quartet song is the sweet sounding “MY RESTING PLACE”.

The Cajun flavored, “LIVING IN THE SUNLIGHT” is a highly enjoyable upbeat tune as is the following song, “KEEP MY EYES ON HIM”. The recording closes with a medium tempo “McKameys” style number entitled, “GLORY CAN'T TELL IT ALL”, which was written by Daryl Williams.

With the loss of a very capable baritone, Tony Peace and the acquisition of Rick Fair to take his place, the group didn't miss a hitch with their sound. As mentioned earlier, Rick sounds absolutely wonderful with the group and they still boast one of the fullest sounds of any male quartet out there today. But, when comparing the whole musical package of this recording with their last one, “It's Settled” , I find that I like their last one better. I haven't decided if it's the song selection, arrangements or what; but in the opinion this reviewer, as a whole, I don't find this latest effort by the group to be as exciting or as enjoyable as their last one. It's just lacking something for me and I can't quite put my finger on it. But by the same token, it is an excellent recording and fans of PSQ will no doubt enjoy it immensely.

Personal Favs: WHAT A PRIVILEDGE TO KNOW HIM; HE'S REAL; WHEN IT POURS, GOD REIGNS; MERCY MET GRACE; LIVING IN THE SUNLIGHT