CD Reviews

Rita Pearson - The Diplomats Present

Producer: Corey Pearson
Label: Independent Release
Website: http://www.diplomatsqt.com

If you like down home, good ol' fashioned, campmeeting Southern Gospel Music, then this is the recording for you. This recording is filled with plenty of classic songs from the past, each done in Rita's inimitable style. Fans who enjoy the style of the Happy Goodman Family, Hemphills, Sego Brothers & Naomi and the like will take to this recording like a duck to water. I wouldn't necessarily call this a "solo" recording as the Diplomats Quartet play a large part in the overall sound of the recording, instead of being solely in the background. Basically, Rita does all the solo parts and the Diplomats join her on the chorus.

With the Diplomats Quartet stoutly behind her vocally, Rita tackles such great old songs like "I WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ANYMORE", "I CAN CALL ON JESUS", "WHERE THE ROSES NEVER FADE" and "JESUS FOUND ME". It's obvious the Happy Goodmans played a vital role in Rita's life as such songs as "I HOLD A CLEAR TITLE", "WHAT HEAVEN MEANS TO ME" and "GOD WALKS THE DARK HILLS" hold a prominent place on the recording as well as classic songs from the Hemphills ("JESUS HELD ON TO MY HAND") and the Hinsons ("HE WILL CALM THE TROUBLED WATERS").

Rita has a heavy vibrato that you either love or hate, but she has such a genuineness about her delivery that you can't help but be taken in as she sings. While the overall production quality of the recording isn't exactly what I would call way above par, it doesn't override the fact that this is an enjoyable recording filled with some great songs that will keep you singing all day long.