CD REVIEW: FROM THE REDBOOK VOLUME FOUR- KINGDOM HEIRS

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS

CD REVIEW:

FROM THE REDBOOK VOLUME FOUR- KINGDOM HEIRS

AVAILABLE NOW at www.kingdomheirs.com (physical CD and digital download)

MEMBERS: JERRY MARTIN (TENOR), ARTHUR RICE (LEAD), BRIAN ALVEY (BARITONE), JEFF CHAPMAN (BASS), KREIS FRENCH (BASS GUITAR), DENNIS MURPHY (DRUMS), ANDY STRINGFIELD (PIANO)

REVIEW COPY PROVIDED

SONG LIST:

Let The Lower Lights Be Burning- featuring Jeff, Jerry

Hide Thou Me- featuring Jerry

How Beautiful Heaven Must Be- featuring Brian

I Can Tell You The Time- featuring Jeff

I've Got That Old Time Religion- featuring Ensemble, Jerry

I've Never Been Sorry- featuring Ensemble, Jerry

Keep On The Firing Line (Instrumental)

Living By Faith- featuring Ensemble, Arthur

Victory In Jesus- featuring Ensemble, Andy

We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles And Trials- featuring Ensemble

THOUGHTS:

The Kingdom Heirs have been one of the most consistent groups in Southern Gospel for the past 30 years. Even with a few personnel changes, the quartet has maintained its signature style and strong four part harmony. Arthur Rice has been a stalwart member since 1995 anchoring their sound with his powerful award winning lead voice. Jeff Chapman remains one of Southern Gospel's most beloved bass singers. This project showcases his incredible range and rich low tones. Jerry Martin joined the group in 2011 following a tenure with the Dove Brothers. His signature high notes and clear resonant voice are featured throughout this record. Last year, Steve French, longtime baritone and founder, retired from the group. Pianist Andy Stringfield filled in at the baritone position for a short while until they hired a new baritone, Brian Alvey last month. Alvey is well known in Southern Gospel Music having sung with Tribute Quartet and the Talleys.

This record is the four in a series of classic style albums featuring old Gospel quartet standards. It begins with the Statesmen classic "Let The Lower Lights Be Burning" which features Jeff Chapman and Jerry Martin on the verses. The quartet originally recorded this song on their Statesmen tribute project entitled Off The Record (2006). Jerry Martin shines on the tenor standard "Hide Thou Me" which the group also previously recorded on the same album. Martin knocks the song out of the park especially the powerful sky high tenor ending. Next, Brian Alvey takes the lead on the tender and reflective "How Beautiful Heaven Must Be." Alvey was featured on this song during his audition process with the group and absolutley nails it here. His voice is clear and crisp with powerful resonance. Jeff Chapman is let loose on the following track the fun midtempo convention song "I Can You The Time." He hits some great low notes and has a solo on the second verse in similar fashion to Gold City's version. This is definitely one of my favorite tracks on this recording. In keeping with convention style, "I've Got That Old Time Religion" which features Jerry, is a simple midtempo song about the joy of the Lord in our hearts. Their version is similar to that of Legacy Five's and thus the quartets of old such as the Cathedrals. Speaking of the Cathedrals, the next song "I've Never Been Sorry", a bouncy convention tune, was recorded by the legendary group in the 1990s.

As with the previous Redbook CDs, theaward winning Kingdom Heirs Band plays an upbeat instrumental piece. On this recording, the band turns in a stellar performance of "Keep On The Firing Line." Arthur Rice is featured on the country flavored hymn "Living By Faith" showcasing his signature lead voice. Also country flavored, the quartet's version of the classic hymn "Victory In Jesus" features pianist Andy Stringfield on the second verse. This fantastic album closes with a rousing rendition of "We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles And Trials" which showcases the low notes of Jeff Chapman, the high notes of Jerry Martin, the powerful lead of Arthur Rice, and the smoothness of Brian ALvey's baritone.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I've always enjoyed this series of CDs from the Kingdom Heirs, but this one in particular is my favorite of the four. It has a great selection of songs, great vocals, and great production quality. When Brian ALvey was announced as the new baritone, I was anxious to hear the new sound and curious as to how different it would be without Steve French. After listening to this project, I can't wait to hear more from this lineup. The blend is outstanding and Alvey's range amazes me. The Kingdom Heirs are stronger than ever and continue to stay true to the call of Christ on their lives.

4.5 Stars!! Go get this great CD!!!