CD REVIEW: LIVING IN HARMONY- TRIUMPHANT QUARTET
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
CD REVIEW: Living In Harmony by Triumphant Quartet
Release Date: April 14, 2015
Label: StowTown Records
Producer: Wayne Haun
Members: David Sutton (Tenor), Clayton Inman (Lead), Scott Inman (Baritone), and Eric Bennett (Bass)
Review Copy Provided (Download) from Provident/StowTown
Song List:
1) “Living In Harmony” - [Scott Inman and Jeff Bumgardner]- featuring Scott Inman
2) “Jesus Must Have Been Here” - [Joel Lindsey, Sue C. Smith and Tony Wood] – featuring Scott Inman
3) “Amazing God” - [Sue C. Smith, Lee Black and Janice L. Crow] – David Sutton
4) “Black and White” - [Dave Clark, Danny Bunnelle] – featuring Eric Bennett
5) “When He Reached Down His Hand For Me” – [Gurney Thomas, J.F.B. Wright, and Marion Easterling] – featuring Clayton Inman
6) “Living In The Promised Land” - [Wayne Haun and Joel Lindsey] – featuring Scott Inman
7) “Made For Gold” - [Jeff Bumgardner] – featuring Clayton Inman
8) “I Belong To Jesus” – [Scott Inman and Sue C. Smith]- featuring Eric Bennett
9) “A Friend Called Grace” – [Randy Phillips and Dan Dean]- featuring Scott Inman
10) “Has There Ever Been” – [Lee Black, Dianne Wilkinson and Tony Wood] - featuring Clayton Inman
Thoughts:
This award winning quartet has once again lived up to their name with this new recording. Triumphant Quartet has maintained its sound and style since their inception in 2002 by keeping the same four vocalists. The only lineup change the group has experienced is the recent departure of original pianist Jeff Stice last year. This is an impressive feat given that change is one of the most common things in Southern Gospel Music. This rarity has paid off in that their blend and harmonies are as solid as ever on this record. Each vocalist gives stellar performances on this debut recording on StowTown Records. In house producer for the label, Wayne Haun served as producer for this project. Triumphant is a great addition to the label founded by Ernie Haase and Wayne Haun which has already produced award winning recordings from artists including Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Devin McGlamery, Doug Anderson, and The Cathedral Family Reunion. This new project definitely has the potential to be another success for the group as well as an award winner.
This record begins with the fun, mid-tempo title cut featuring baritone Scott Inman which drives home the tone and message of this album: we, as Christians, are living in harmony, praising God and helping others along the way. Inman has become a respected songwriter in the last few years and can add this great song to his resume. Scott is also featured on the mid-tempo ballad “Jesus Must Have Been Here,” which reflects on the miracles of Christ.
David Sutton steps out with his signature tenor voice and delivers the powerful lyrics of another mid-tempo song called “Amazing God.” This song beautifully praises the faithfulness and love of God. He is the same today as He was then. He can still mend broken hearts, His love and grace still amazes me.
Award winning bass vocalist Eric Bennett takes the lead on first verse of the old Singing American’s classic “Black And White” while Sutton takes the second verse. This upbeat song is about our redemption made possible only by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The truth of forgiveness is clearly written in His blood.
Lead singer Clayton Inman beautifully delivers the lyrics of the classic quartet standard “When He Reached Down His Hand For Me.” I was pleasantly surprised that the group did stick to the more common bass/tenor arrangement. I would have liked to hear Bennett take the first verse, but I loved Clayton’s performance on this song.
Scott Inman's next feature is on the country flavored “Living In The Promised Land.” The driving rhythm of this song, in the words of George Younce, “just makes ya wanna move don’t it.”
Next, the mid-tempo Heaven centered “Made For Gold” is another fun Clayton Inman feature, complete with banjo picking. This song talks about our Heavenly destination and how we were made to walks those golden streets.
Bass Eric Bennett also shines on the next song: a ballad called “I Belong To Jesus” which is a powerful testimony telling of God’s love for us. Bennett’s signature range is evident on this well written song. This has the makings of a hit for the group.
Next the younger Inman takes the lead again on the Phillips Craig And Dean song “A Friend Called Grace.” This country flavored track, in the form of a courtroom trial, tells of the hope that Jesus brings. Inman has become a great vocalist over the years and this performance shows off his talent.
The elder Inman closes out the record with the simple ballad “Has There Ever Been” which conveys a desire to know Christ and accept His forgiveness and grace. This powerful lyric reminds listeners that God listens to all who call on Him. It is a call for those who don’t believe to accept Jesus as Savior. It also is a reminder for us that when we feel defeated or alone that we can call on Jesus for He is always with us.
Final Thoughts:
Triumphant continues to put forth quality recordings and due to their stable lineup a tight blend has developed over their thirteen year career. This record can be added among their best work. I would argue that signing with StowTown has elevated their quality even more. If you love good quality Southern Gospel singing, then this is the record for you!!
One of the best of the year so far! 4.5 stars!!
Be sure to purchase this CD when it is released on April 14th!!