CD Reviews

Pfeifers - “Why Not?”

2001/Royalty I

I have to say, this is the hardest review I have ever done! You see, I have long been a fan of the Pfeifers, but I have to admit that I have been out of touch with their music for the last 2 recordings. But when I listened to “Why Not?” I had to order the last 2 CD’s I had missed to see what happened to their sound. Granted, the music and all are excellent on this CD, but this is not Pfeifers music. Their vocal sound and quality has changed and their musical style has changed. This is not the sound I associate with the Pfeifers. The Pfeifers have always had a sophisticated, unique, classy and almost uptown sound and performed with a certain amount of finesse matched by few other artists. They are one of the more colorful artists in Southern Gospel. Now they are just plain country! Nothing wrong with country, just that this is not the sound I associate with the Pfeifers. With that said, there are still some excellent qualities about this CD. The music tracks are great, and the song selection could not have been any stronger.

When I first heard the Pfeifers’ single on the radio, “FATHER’S HOUSE,” I instantly fell in love with the song. This song alone is worth buying this CD. I absolutely adore this song and believe it is a #1 caliber song! However, I must admit I did not know who was singing when I heard it on the radio. The Pfeifers always had an identifiable sound and this seemed to a little different from the style they are known for.

Other songs that I enjoy very much are “JUMPIN’ IN”, “I DON’T REMEMBER THAT” and “I WILL TRUST HIM.” Mary Jane does an exceptional job on the latter song, which is true to the Pfeifers style that most people are familiar with, and the message is very uplifting. I am glad to see them releasing this song to radio.

The other songs included on the recording are “WHY NOT?”, “STREAMS IN THE DESERT”, “GLORY TO HIS NAME”, “HEADIN’ TOWARD THE SON” (which I have to admit is starting to really grow on me! Shhh…don’t tell anyone!), and “WHEN GOD DIPS HIS LOVE.”

Of course, no Pfeifers recording would be complete without a song featuring John Pfeifer on trumpet, and the old repentant hymn “COMING HOME” was chosen to be his song, which is a very warm and poignant closing to the recording.

As I stated earlier, the music tracks are great, and the song selection could not have been any stronger, but I still would like to hear more of the sound that the Pfeifers have always been noted for. Yes, I was somewhat disappointed when I heard this CD, but I am still a huge fan of the Pfeifers. I will say this though, that this CD probably will win some new fans. Especially those who favor a little country with their gospel! Personally, I hope they eventually come back home to their former self, musically and vocally. And I will be waiting in the wings, cheering them on!

Rating:

James Hales