CD Reviews

Pfeifers - Fighting On

Producer: Steve Mauldin
Label: Independent Release
Website: http://www.pfeifers.com

I have been a fan of the Pfeifers since the early 1990s. I loved their big band sound and the powerful vocals of the group. They were the epitome of class when it came to music. Around the turn of the century, (sounds weird saying that) their style seemed to change to an almost country sound. (And I am not saying country isn’t classy!) While they had some great songs over the span of the last 2-3 recordings, their sound wasn’t what I would call “Pfeifers Music”; it just didn’t seem to fit them, in my opinion. Well, finally they have come back “home” and have joined forces once again with producer, Steve Mauldin and have created a monumental recording and the collaboration has brought back the sound I love so much. The Pfeifers have always had a progressive edge to their music, no matter what style they sang or performed, but this one seems to have taken them to another level and I think it is the best recording they’ve done since “Where the River Runs Red” that was released around 1997.

The highly invigorating, “WAKE UP THE HOUSE” will definitely wake you up with its trumpet call that starts the song and it is followed by two more energetic tunes, “IT IS GOOD”, which features John, and the snazzy Rebecca Peck penned tune, “PLEASIN’ JESUS”, featuring Candy. The pace finally begins to slow down with the Mary Jane feature, “LOVE STILL CALLS”, which is another Peck penned tune.

Candy is featured on the highlight of the recording, “FIRST LOVE”. Penned by Candy, the song is a prayer of one who has seemingly lost their way, and has found their way back. As the song builds in intensity, no matter where you are in your walk with Christ, your heart can’t help but swell as you lift your voice to sing along…”I am returning with my whole heart, back to my first love…Jesus!”

While a tremendous song in its own right, the title song, “FIGHTING ON”, penned by two great ladies, Dianne Wilkinson and Kyla Rowland, just doesn’t work for me. Tremendous message and they sing the song with a lot of feeling and emotion; it just doesn’t work for me.

John picks the pace back up with “GETTIN IT RIGHT” before Mary Jane turns in another excellent performance on the ballad entitled, “THE ANSWER”, which offers hope in desperate times, that He is the answer, “… just waiting for a prayer”.

The medium tempo, acoustical flavored “GLORIOUS LIGHT”, featuring Candy, is a bonus cut, and is actually a new Christmas song. The Pfeifers perform the song very well before moving on to a grand instrumental/vocal arrangement of the now classic and oft recorded, “SHOUT TO THE LORD”.

In complete contrast with how the recording began, the song simply titled “OPEN”, closes things out with a much softer tone, and leaves us with a sweet spirit of worship. I was so happy with what I heard here. Steve Mauldin did an awesome job bringing the best out of the John, Candy and Mary Jane and he helped the group provide some wonderful musical moments as well as some great vocal moments as well. The tracks, vocals, song selection, etc. are all extremely well done and I was impressed with everything I heard. This really brings about much anticipation within me on what these guys will do next!

Personal Favs: WAKE UP THE HOUSE; IT IS GOOD; PLEASIN’ JESUS; FIRST LOVE; THE ANSWER; OPEN