Producer – Judy Cox Keisler
Label – Independent
Website – http://www.themelodyboysquartet.com
The Melody Boys Quartet has, for over 50 years, exemplified traditional Southern Gospel quartet singing. Hall of famer, Gerald Williams has put together another fine quartet and they shine on this new project. They have laid out this project in countdown style, starting with number ten and counting down to the number one favorite.
They kick the album off with the Adgar M. Pace song, “He’s My King”. This is one of three songs on the project that are recorded with a full compliment of studio musicians. Gerald Williams shines on this one dropping down in the basement. “Take a Moment and Live”, written by Lee Roy Abernathy follows and let’s us hear the piano abilities of new baritone, Caleb Matheny. Caleb accompanies the group on seven of the ten cuts.
“If Jesus Is There” follows and keeps the tempo up. This great song written by V.B. (Vep ) Ellis, is an ensemble song and features some great harmony. Lee Roy Abernathy contributes another song at number 7 with the bluesy “He Will Surely Make It All Right”. This is another song done with the studio band and should be considered as a single release. Lee Roy Abernathy contributes another great old song, “Way Up In Gloryland”. It’s good to hear a group singing harmony and doing a lot of ensemble work.
“He Wrote My Name” features new lead singer, Terry Robertson on the second verse and lets new tenor, Scott Baker show off a little on the chorus. One of my all time favorite songs comes in at number four, “What a Meeting in the Air”. This song is done in a traditional arrangement. I guess if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Albert E. Brumley gives us song number three in the countdown with “I’d Rather Be An Old Time Christian”. This song allows us to hear some solo work by the talented young baritone Caleb Matheny and tenor Scott Baker. It wouldn’t be a Melody Boys Quartet recording without a song written by group founder, Joe Roper. They have chosen “Just A Little Farther Is Home, Sweet Home. Joe Roper’s songs always have interesting chord patterns which allow for some pretty harmony. This song is no exception.
I don’t think that anyone could argue about the song they have chosen at number one, “How Great Thou Art”. Gerald Williams is featured on the verses and shows us why he is a Hall of Fame bass singer.
I love traditional quartet music and have looked forward to hearing this project. It is obvious, in spots, that this lineup of singers has not been together long and haven’t quite gelled yet, but I believe that with a little seasoning and time under one of the great teachers in our business, this group will carry on the banner of great Melody Boys Quartets of the past. I would have liked to have heard a couple more of these songs done with full band accompaniment but this project was recorded with the idea of preserving traditional quartet singing and it succeeds.
Author: Gary O'Neal
| Author's Website: http://wandamountainboys.com
Written: 04/01/2007
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 3
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Thank you for a clear and concise review of The Melody Boys Quartet new project! I am one of the Quartet's greatest fans, and I am truly thrilled with this CD! Believe me, if you love traditional Quartet singing done at its best, you will love this CD. I highly reccomend "Classics Countdown".
Thanks for letting me be a part of this one, Gerald. You've always been supportive my career and utilized my talents and I am truly grateful.
I had the honor of filling in at the tenor spot for Gerald last summer while they were on thier west coast tour. What a joy. It was a blast singing the oldies, and enjoying a great trip with a new, true friend. Thanx Gerald. Look forward to the new c-d, Randy
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