Produced by: Marty Funderburk
Label: Independant
You may not have heard of the House Family, but you’re sure to recognize the traditional SG sound that this group emits. A family recording done in true SG style, you’ll enjoy listening to songs written by some of our industry’s greatest songwriters as well as a few by Roy A. Higdon, a late House Family relative.
I recommend giving them a listen if for no other reason than to hear the soulful tinged alto, Megan House, sing her heart out. The album starts off featuring their strongest singer, Megan, with “I’m Not Afraid to Go,” which was a good move by the House Family. This cut quickly became my one of my favorites on the project. Along with anything else that featured the dynamic voice of Megan.
Because of its tempo and length, “Some Glad Day” would perhaps be a good radio tune. “i Choose The Lord” had a nice bluegrass feel, and featured male vocalist, Gene House. “I Wanna Know How it Feels,” co-written by John Darin Rowsey and Karen Peck was a great song choice for soprano Andra James. It fit her like a glove. The group really had a tight sound on this song.
“Oh For A Thousand Tongues” once again featuring powerhouse Megan House, earned my further respect for her talent. The song has been recorded so many times, it’s hard to get anyone to notice it in the context of an album, but Megan’s vocal demands for her to be heard.
“Healin’ Stream” written by Larry Gatlin had bass singer Arlen House showing off his range. Though not their best sound, I enjoyed the arrangement of the song. The medium tempo, “There’s Still Water in the Well” made me feel like I was suddenly listening to a different group, and in a good way. The House Family finally sounded like a 2006 SG group. Injecting some life into what they were singing they hit their stride on this tune. It continued through the next cut.
“Stand Still” made popular by the Issacs was a bold song choice by the Family, and I think they did the song justice. A few more tunes like “Heaven Now is Waiting,” "When the Savior Wipes the Tears From Our Eyes,” and "Up Home on High” let you know that the House Family has strong southern roots.
I think this group could have some real success if they utilize their strengths in Megan and the ability that they have to do some newer SOUNDING things. They proved that they have that ability on this project. I heard music on this CD that is NEW to me, but sounded OLD. Not because it’s SG, but because the instrumentation, the chord structures and the vocal arrangements sounded outdated, and not in a vintage way. I hope that the House Family will take what the Legends have taught them and build upon that to make a better, stronger sound for our industry.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 04/15/2006
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 4
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These guys are awesome. I love this song, and this ministry. God has really blessed this gruop with wonderful talent. I meet this group while touring with another group, and even sang with them two or three times. I want you to know that they are real in what they sing about, and that is to be highly respected. God Bless, and I pray that doors will open for you like never seen before.
The House Family are fabulous! I absolutely love their sound as it brings to mind very real southern gospel roots. They are truly a blessing to hear! Their "family" harmony is so good to listen to and I believe the sky is the limit for them in the future! Good luck House Family and God Bless!
I love this group! They are the most real Christians I have ever met. They are so versatile in their music. One minute they might sing bluegrass or country gospel and the next a southern gospel standard. They also have a great ability to connect with a crowd. They are tremendously talented!
We heard these guys live at the sogospelnews.com reunion last year, and they were great. Loved their spirit and family harmony.
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