CD REVIEW: IT'S ONLY GOODNIGHT- TROY BURNS FAMILY
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
CD REVIEW
IT’S ONLY GOODNIGHT
TROY BURNS FAMILY
MEMBERS: TROY BURNS (LEAD), TAMMY BURNS (ALTO), ROLAND KESTERSON (BARITONE)
RELEASE DATE: 2015
PRODUCER: TROY BURNS FAMILY, JEFF TOLBERT
SONG LIST (Ft/Author):
Let Us Sing- featuring Ensemble/Adger M. Pace
Everywhere I Looked- featuring Troy, Tammy/ Roger Duncan II
I Found A Treasure- featuring Troy/Stancil Morris
I’m Amazed- featuring Tammy/ JT Talent
It’s Only Goodnight- featuring Troy, Ensemble/ Roger Duncan II
Worn Out Leather Bible-featuring Tammy/ Steve Moss
Count Me In- featuring Troy, Ensemble/ Ruby Mae Moody
So Simple, So Profound- featuring Tammy/ Sandra J. Knight
I’ll Stand By The Cross- featuring Troy/ Roger Duncan II
Store Front Mission- featuring Troy/ Steve Moss
The Potter- featuring , Roland, Troy/ Roger Duncan II
Yes, I Will Be There- featuring Roland/ Lois Gayle Sypolt
THOUGHTS:
Troy Burns is no stranger to Southern Gospel Music as he was a member of the Inspirations Quartet, joining the group as their second bass singer in 1966. He later moved to the lead position in 1974 where he would remain until 1991. His distinctive and unique lead voice added greatly to the mountain twang of the Inspirations. Burns is now joined by his wife Tammy, who was the only female to ever sing with the Inspirations, and whose memorable alto is comparable to that of Patsy Cline. Rounding out the group is 30 year old Roland Kesterson who adds his smooth baritone to this solid trio, The Troy Burns Family. This great group is one of several incredible artists that record on the Butler Music Group label.
This record which was released earlier this year includes a few songs the Burns sang with the Inspirations such as “I Found A Treasure,” and “Count Me In.” The album begins with the up-tempo country flavored convention song “Let Us Sing,” which features Troy on the step-out lines. Troy and Tammy take the lead on a mid-tempo song called “Everywhere I Looked,” which talks about the story of Ruth. This reminds us that the Lord cares for us and provides for our needs. The mountain twang sound continues with the old Inspirations classic “I Found A Treasure” featuring Troy on the verse. This mid-tempo track is a song of praise as we have found a treasure in the Lord that this world cannot give. Tammy once again takes the lead on “I Am Amazed” which simply says “I am amazed that the King of all Glory would give His life for me.” She shines on this tender hearted and reflective ballad written beautifully by J.T. Talent. The title cut “It’s Only Goodnight” features Troy once again showcasing his powerful lead as well as the incredible harmonies of the trio. This tender yet powerful ballad reminds us that death is not the end if we believe in Jesus Christ. We will see our loved ones again for it’s not goodbye, it’s only goodnight.
Next, the mid-tempo track “Worn Out Leather Bible” which features Tammy on the verses, talks about the wonderful transforming power of God’s Word. The trio then covers the Inspirations classic “Count Me In” which talks about looking forward to entering Heaven. This song showcases once again the tight, stellar harmonies of the trio. Next, the trio covers another Inspirations song, this time from more recent years called “So Simple, So Profound.” This thoughtful song features Tammy and describes the simplicity and complexity of the Love of God. The trio then delivers another strong ballad called “I’ll Stand By The Cross” once again featuring Troy, which talks about standing strong in your faith.
Next, “Store Front Mission” is a simple story song about a desire a spread the Gospel. One of the strongest cuts on this record, in my opinion, is the moving mid-tempo ballad “The Potter” which features Roland on the first verse. This beautiful lyric written by Roger Duncan II is truly a message of hope. It reminds us that God can mend our broken lives. He is the Potter and we are His clay. Amen! This solid collection of songs closes with another simple yet powerful track called “Yes, I Will Be There,” which features Roland and says I will be there when they crown Him King. I will be there when He ascends His throne in Glory. Amen!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I was not too familiar with this group before receiving this recording, but I am always up for hearing new groups and broadening my musical catalogue. This is a solid collection of songs that are well written and are thoughtful and reflective. Troy Burns is a Gospel Music legend and his performances on this recording reflect this. Several tracks stood out to me including: “It’s Only Goodnight,” “I’ll Stand By The Cross,” and “The Potter.” The title cut especially resonated with me as I lost my Grandmother recently and it’s songs like these that serve as a comfort in times of grief. While I enjoyed this CD, I felt like Roland Kesterson deserved some features. If I’m not mistaken (which I definitely could be), he was not featured at all. *UPDATE: I WAS MISTAKEN AS ROLAND IS FEATURED ON "THE POTTER" AND "YES I WILL BE THERE." Overall, this was a solid and enjoyable recording and I look forward to hearing more from this group.
3 out of 5 Stars! FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE TROY BURNS FAMILY, VISIT : http://www.troyburnsfamily.com/