Producer: Danny Crawford/Tony McGee/Danny Brown/Mike Riddle
Label: Harbor Music Group/United Independent Artists
Website: www.tonymcgeeandnewcovenant.com
New groups pop up all the time within Southern Gospel circles, and most with the hopes of one day “making it”. One group that I believe will “make it” is Tony McGee and New Covenant. Tony (affectionately called “Hoss”) is known for his many years of singing with The Redeemed from Rogersville, TN. Tony has a distinct country sound that is easily identifiable and I believe he is sounding better today than he ever has. Joining Tony in this new group is well known radio promoter, Shane Ferrell along with a powerhouse female vocalist named Karen McPherson.
Starting the recording out is a chorus of “This Little Light of Mine” featuring Tony and Shane's children, Bethany and Zachary respectively. The song ties right in with the group opener, “SING TILL I DIE” which features Tony.
The simplicity of “JOY” , which features Karen, is a wonderful highlight of the recording. Christian people have a joy that is deep rooted in Christ, and as the song speaks of adversities, it conveys that we have “joy… unspeakable joy, sometimes it overtakes me, right in the middle of my darkest trial, just when it's so black I can't see…something so great, I can't contain, oh I've joy in my soul.”
Picking up the pace is the group's first single entitled “ON THE THIRD DAY”, written by Adina Bowman and aptly features Tony, while Shane takes the lead on the slower, acoustical sounding “THE ONLY THING HE EVER PURCHASED”, penned by Kyla Rowland and Steve Hurte and it fits the group like a glove.
“I HAVE NO DOUBT” will no doubt become the perennial favorite on this recording. Complete with a bridge of the Goodman classic, “I Believe He's Coming Back”, I believe this song will become their signature song. Also, remember the name of the songwriter of this tune, Stephen Phillips. As far as songwriters go, Phillips is one of Southern Gospel's best-kept secrets.
Covering the popular Kyla Rowland song, “OUT OF HARMS WAY”, the group does a good job with their version, as well as another Rowland tune done up bluegrass style called, “I GOT IT ALL”.
Karen takes the lead on the Joel Lindsey/Cindi Ballard song, “CALVARY'S STORY”. Though not as smooth as LordSong's version from four years ago, the group does a good job with their own rendition of the song.
Tony penned and sings the deeply moving, “ANOTHER FRIEND IS HOME”, while Shane closes things out with the old song, “ACROSS THE BRIDGE”.
If your taste in Southern Gospel is akin to that of the Singing Cookes, McKameys, or even comparable to the Whisnants with a hint of grass, then you will enjoy Tony McGee and New Covenant. Though this is their first recording together, it sounds like they have been singing together for years. This only scratches the surface of what's on the horizon for this fine group.
Personal Favs: SING TILL I DIE; JOY; ON THE THIRD DAY; THE ONLY THING HE EVER PURCHASED; I HAVE NO DOUBT
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 08/31/2004
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 9
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I really enjoy this recording. I find myself goind back and playing it everyday. " I have no Doubt", "Out of Harms Way" and " Calvary's Story are all great songs.
I LOVE this album! GREAT song selection.
This album ROCKS!! I love "On the third day. And Across the bridge is one of my all time favorite songs!!! Good job!!!!
Great job on the cd guys! This album is soooo good. It's hard to pick a favorite song they are all so good. Can't wait to see which one you will release next as a single! Love Ya and God Bless! Nicole
What a wonderful selection of songs for this album. Each has a message that is truly heart felt. I love the song "I have no doubt" and I am so excited about this group. Tony, Shane, and Karen do a wonderful job representing southern gospel music. You guys keep up the good work.
I really love this cd. My favorite has to be Calvarys story after The Third Day!
"WHAT A BLESSING!" I am so proud to be personally acquainted with one of the BEST SOUTHERN GOSPEL groups that I know. This new CD is just AWESOME! ALL of the selections on this project are so well done. I LOVE YOU ALL and pray we will "SING TILL WE DIE!"
I love this CD, but have worn 2 of them out. I NEED to buy another one but can't find it. Can anyone please help me?
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