CD Reviews

Tribute Quartet - My Tribute

Label: BSA World Records
Produced by: Glen Bates and Arthur Rice
Website: http://www.tributequartet.com

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when this disk began spinning in my player. As a new quartet it is often challenging to accomplish a cohesive sound, but Tribute Quartet makes me believe that it IS possible. Traditional sounding tunes like, “Brother Don’t Lose the Shout, God Can’t Remember, I Found a Place, and I’m in that Crowd,” will be well liked among Southern Gospel Fans. Title cut, "My Tribute to You," was easily an album favorite with it's beautiful piano accompaniment courtesy of group member Josh Singletary, and emotional vocal feature by lead singer Gary Casto. It seems to be more of an anthem for the group than just a great song.

"In the Shelter of His Hands" is reminiscent of something we would have heard an SG quartet do back in the 50's or 60's. I can almost hear Jake Hess singing along. This was a nice addition, and we get to hear some of the other vocal talent that the group has to offer. A fun number entitled, "You'd Better Have a Boat," features bass singer, Dennis Dugger speaking more than singing, but still gives us an taste of his smooth tone. Tenor, Jacob Kitson sings, "God Knows." I didn't care for how this song was mixed. I felt the group was too much in the background and the bass was a little too strong which gave the track an overall muddy sound to me. It was still well delivered, and I'm sure I would enjoy it much more live.

My absolute favorite cut on the record, is "It's Always Been You." Josh Singletary shows us he can do more than just play a mean piano, but he can croon a tune too. He defiantly has a crooner's tone, something like the pop sensation Michael Buble, or Harry Connick Jr. The piano work on this tune alone had me pushing that replay button over and over again. I'm not sure how long Josh has been singing, so it's perhaps not a perfect vocal, but none the less, a stellar performance! The intimate feel of this tune is another reason it wins my approval. It's hard to accomplish that on a recording.

"Heaven in Sight" is another up tempo song, that has a great feel. The harmonica made this song! The album ends with "The Other Side of Calvary," and bonus track, "Give the Gift." "Give the Gift," being the stronger of the two, though it probably leans towards being more of a seasonal tune. Overall, I enjoyed the project. All these guys are good singers, though I wouldn't consider any of them to be great YET. Singing together is their strength, and when they're doing that, they're better than average. I appreciated most of the song selection, and the piano playing is worth the price of the CD alone. It's a solid first project, and earned my respect.

1. Brother Don't Lose the Shout
2. God Can't Remember
3. My Tribute to You
4. I Found A Place
5. In the Shelter Of His Hands
6. You'd Better Have a Boat
7. God Knows
8. I'm In That Crowd
9. It's Always Been You
10. Heaven In Sight
11. The Other Side of Calvary
Bonus Track
12. Give the Gift