CD REVIEW: READY TO SAIL- THE ERWINS/ INTERVIEW WITH THE ERWINS
CD REVIEW/INTERVIEW
READY TO SAIL
THE ERWINS
RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 3, 2015
LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS
TRACK LISTING: Title/Writer(s)/Featured Vocalist
1. Ready to Sail- Jared Anderson, Wayne Haun / featuring Keith
2. Greater-Nathan Cochran, David Arthur Garcia, Ben Glover, Barry Graul, Bart Millard, Mike Scheuchzer, Robby Shaffer / featuring Kris, Ensemble
3. Believe Him- Lee Black, Joel Lindsey, Sue C Smith / featuring Keith
4. Well Done- Randall Garland /featuring Ensemble, Kody
5. Calvary's One Spotless Lamb- Rachel McCutcheon / featuring Keith
6. Isn't He God- Lyn Rowell, Tony Wood / featuring Kris, Katie, Keith
7. The Burden of Loving Me- Jeffrey Bumgardner, Joel Lindsey / featuirng Keith
8. I Choose To Be A Christian- Rachel McCutcheon / featuring Katie
9. Will You Go?- Jeffrey Bumgardner, Randall Garland / featuring Keith
10. Power Of Prayer- Valerie Dacus, Randall Garland / featuring Kody, Katie
11. Take Him At His Word- Ernie Haase, Joel Lindsey / featuring Ensemble, Katie, Ernie Haase
12. You Are Welcome Here- Wayne Haun, William Hopkins / featuring Kris, Katie
Thoughts:
For anyone who thinks that Southern Gospel music is waning or on the outs, think again!!! The Erwins represent the future of this great style in good form!! These young siblings are taking the industry by storm and more importantly spreading the Word of God to many people!! This energetic young group is comprised of Lead singer Keith (22), bass singer Kody (20), baritone Kris (18), and alto Katie (14). This is their first CD on StowTown Records which is run by Ernie Haase and Wayne Haun. This project is truly a statement of faith through twelve incredible songs! God is the center of this project and each sibling is but a humble vessel for the Lord.
The title song ”Ready To Sail" is a great easy listening track that could easily be the anthem of this group! It talks about the faithfulness of God and obeying His call. If we are going to make it, we have to step out in faith knowing that God is with us! This song is a good example of the harmony and blend that these siblings possess. A true gift from God!!
"Greater" is a song that was originally recorded by MercyMe a contemporary Christian group and is a fantastic fit for this up and coming quartet. The ensemble shines on this driving song!! It proclaims that God is GREATER than he who is living in the world. You can bring your doubts, fears, hurts, pain etc. to the Lord and He your load will share!! Others may see a broken person far gone from saving, but the Lord sees me as His child!! That's some great stuff right there!!
The eldest brother, Keith, has several features on this project including the moving ballad "Believe Him" which says "When God says you’re loved, Believe Him! When He says your precious, Believe Him!!" He knows what you are going through and is there for you always! He died on the cross for you and me! You are loved by God!! He has told you himself!! An incredible young lead, Keith also shines on the powerful ballad "Calvary’s One Spotless Lamb" which says "I did not deserve it, I could not have earned it", but the Lord loved us so much that He died on a cross for our sins!! It proclaims that we will offer Him all that we are for He is worthy of our praise!!
The newly married Kody is quite the bass singer for his age! He provides a great low tone and foundation for the group's dynamic sound. Kody is featured on the first verse of a spirit moving song entitled "Power In Prayer" which happens to be Kris's testimony song. As you will see in the interview, Kris was healed after a terrible accident which could have left him unable to walk. This is a beautifully written song which says that your world will not be the same by the transformative power of God when you call on Him through prayer! Kody's impressive low notes can also be heard on the second verse and step out lines on a real Southern Gospel toe-tapper "Well Done" written by Ernie Haase. This up-tempo number describes our entrance into Heaven with God saying well done!!
The youngest brother Kris is featured throughout the project and his warm and smooth baritone compliments the group nicely. He has stand out solos on "Greater" and "Isn't He God." The latter praises Jesus who is the CREATOR of the whole universe!! He is POWERFUL, MIGHTY, AND EVERLASTING!! Anything is possible through Him alone!! He is also featured on the first verse of the Wayne Haun penned "You Are Welcome Here" which was first recorded on Here We Are Again by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (2012). It is a great song about acceptance and the love of God!
The youngest sibling Katie is an absolutely incredible vocalist and will definitely be one to watch!! At only 14 years old, she is already a powerhouse vocalist that can take the lead and deliver a lyric with great clarity and emotion! Her major feature on the project is the first single from the project which says "I Choose To Be A Christian." The lyric is a declaration of faith and trust in Christ our Savior! "I choose to follow Christ, carry the cross that leads to life." I will be true to the call of Christ!! I will stand for my convictions no matter what others say!! This is the truth of the Gospel!! Katie also shines on the second verse of both "Power In Prayer" and "You Are Welcome Here."
Rounding out the project are three other stellar tracks including: the moving ballad "The Burden Of Loving Me" featuring Keith, the mid-tempo progressive number "Will You Go?" which also features Keith, and the jazzy tune "Take Him At His Word" which features Katie and guest vocals from Ernie Haase.
This CD is a truly Christ centered project!! The Erwins are blessed group of Christ followers who are serious about the life changing power of Jesus and spreading His Word to all people!! I had not known of this group until recently when I stumbled upon their version of "The Plan Of Salvation" and was instantly hooked on their sound! They not only have impressed me with their vocal ability, but their humbleness. They give all the credit and glory to the Lord which is quite refreshing compared to some secular artists.
I emphatically give this CD five stars as it truly embodies the message of the Gospel and is exceptional in terms of musical quality.
Go get this CD!!!!
INTERVIEW WITH THE ERWINS:
I also recently contacted this incredible family for an interview to go along with this review! They graciously accepted and I cannot be more thrilled!! This group is the real deal!!
So without further ado, here it is!
J. Gilmore: So, How did you get your start in Southern Gospel music?
Erwins: Our dad has been in full time evangelism for 41 years, so this is all we know.
J. Gilmore: That's fantastic! Who are your musical influences?
Erwins: We are truly fans of this music, so it's hard to pick just a couple. We look up to many. We grew up listening to the Cathedrals and the Easters and look to the Perrys and the Whisnants as mentors. We are also thrilled to look to other families that have paved the way for us like the Goodmans & the Hoppers. We love Tribute, the Talleys, etc...It goes on and on!!!
J. Gilmore: What a great list of groups!! This next question is for Kody: Who is your favorite bass singer?
Kody: Paul Harkey & Anthony Davis
J. Gilmore: Two of my favorites as well! Harkey has an incredible range and Davis has a smooth and rich tone! Here's another for Kody: What is the lowest bass note you can hit?
Kody: That's a great question...we will work on that answer and get back to you.
J. Gilmore: Who are your favorite singers? (Gospel or secular).
Kris: TaRanda Greene
Katie: Jason Crabb
Keith: Dan Dean
Kody: Jason Crabb
J. Gilmore: Awesome choices!! Jason Crabb is an incredible vocalist! Who are your favorite groups? Past or present?
Kris: The Martins
Katie: The Greenes
Keith: Phillips, Craig & Dean
Kody: Triumphant
J. Gilmore: Great!! What has been the best part of traveling as a family?
Erwins: Being together & meeting great people.
J. Gilmore: You sing some really incredible songs! What is your favorite song to sing?
Erwins: Calvary's One Spotless Lamb & I Choose To Be A Christian
J. Gilmore: Those two songs are such a blessing to me and I'm sure will be to many people! What is your favorite Scripture verse?
Erwins: Psalms 71:23
J. Gilmore: Good word! What is something that people might not know about you?
Kris: I survived being ran over by a car, Kody & Keith could play golf everyday and Katie could shop everyday.
J. Gilmore: Wow! That's crazy! God is so good! What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your years of singing Gospel music?
Erwins: We were privileged to be asked to sing at NQC... We grew up going there so to be included on that program is a dream.
J. Gilmore: That's awesome! I've always wanted to go to NQC! Any advice for aspiring Gospel artists?
Erwins: Keep your eyes on the Lord always as you learn to be the very best servant you can be for Christ.
J. Gilmore: Great advice! You are now a part of the Stowtown Records family. How has the experience of working with Ernie Haase and Wayne Haun been so far?
Erwins: These guys are incredible and the tops. They have loved us and have helped us already in so many ways. Having these great men believe in us leaves us speechless.
J. Gilmore: Awesome! Ernie and Wayne are special people! Great men of God and extremely talented! Describe the process of creating this new project.
Erwins: We knew we needed to define our sound, so we looked for songs that were age appropriate yet also had a clear message. We knew Katie wouldn't be able to sing about a "valley" since she hasn't spent time there so it was important for us to pick just the right songs. With the help of Stowtown, we believe we have exactly what the Lord wanted us to sing.
J. Gilmore: I agree! I don't think you could have picked a better group of songs! Speaking of which, what is your favorite song on the CD?
Katie: I Choose To Be A Christian
Kody: I Choose To Be A Christian
Keith: Calvary's One Spotless Lamb
Kris: Greater
J. Gilmore: Thanks so much for your time!!
For more information on this great group, visit their website: http://www.erwinministries.com/home