CD REVIEW: REVIVAL FAVORITES- LES BUTLER
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
CD REVIEW
REVIVAL FAVORITES
LES BUTLER
PRODUCER: LES BUTLER AND MATT BULTER
RELEASE DATE: 2015, AVAILABLE NOW
SONG LIST:
The Lovely Name Of Jesus-featuring Les Butler Trio/Squire Parsons
I Can’t Even Walk- featuring Les Butler Trio/Colbert Croft and Joyce Croft
He Gave Me The Well-featuring Les and Bev Butler/Rodney Griffin
Beulah Land- featuring Les Butler Trio/Squire Parsons
Keep On The Firing Line (Instrumental)-/Otis McCoy
The Lord Still Live In This Old House- featuring Les and Bev Butler/Bill Burns
I Sing Because- featuring Les Butler Trio/Squire Parsons
Mercy Walked In- featuring Les Butler Trio with Mark Wheeler/Gordon Mote, Chaz Boscarge, Phil Johnson
I Believe He’s Coming Back- featuring Les Butler Trio/Rusty Goodman
Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me- featuring Les Butler Trio with James Easter/James, Ed, and Russell Easter
Story Behind The Song with James Easter
THOUGHTS:
It is revival time for Les Butler with this new release of classic camp meeting favorites. Butler and his wife Bev have been singing and preaching the Gospel for over 35 years together. They recently added Tenille Hutson McCay to form the Les Butler Trio. Butler is also known for his highly successful radio programs and record label Butler Music Group.
This recording begins with the Squire Parsons penned classic “The Lovely Name Of Jesus” which features the trio with Les on lead. Butler gives an energetic performance on this song of praise to the name above all names. The next selection is another classic featuring Les called “I Can’t Even Walk,” which talks about our need for Jesus in our lives. I thought I could make it on my own, but I need Jesus to sustain me. Amen! The trio shines on the simple yet powerful “He Gave Me The Well,” which tells of the life giving source that is Jesus Christ. Les’s smooth baritone voice is showcased on the verses of this song of truth. Next, Les takes the lead once again on a beautiful acoustic version of Squire Parsons’ hit “Beulah Land.”
Following that tender hearted moment, is the fast up-tempo instrumental number “Keep On The Firing Line” featuring Les Butler on piano and other fantastic musicians on banjo, fiddle, and several other instruments. Les and his wife Bev sing together the Bill Burns classic “The Lord Still Lives In This Old House,” which talks about the sweet relationship between us and God. If we believe and trust in Him, the Lord will dwell with us in our hearts. Even though this old house may be falling apart, it does not matter for God lives there with you.
The trio then covers another classic penned by Squire Parsons which expresses why we sing the Gospel, called “I Sing Because.” I sing because God is good and His Love can save your soul from sin. Following this anthem, Mark Wheeler joins Les on the country flavored ballad co-written by Gordon Mote “Mercy Walked In.” This powerful song of hope tells of His saving grace. We were forgiven when mercy walked in. Next, Les and the trio cover the classic Rusty Goodman penned tune “I Believe He’s Coming Back,” which expresses our anticipation of Christ’s Second Coming. He is coming back just like He said!! Amen! Closing out the record is the mid-tempo bluegrass style ballad “Thank You Lord For Your Blessings On Me,” which features the songwriter James Easter as a special guest. This tender hearted song simply says thank you Lord for providing for us. Though I may not be wealthy or have it all, I’m blessed beyond measure. Thank you Lord for your love and for the things in life you have blessed me with.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I love listening to new music especially from artists that I haven’t heard before. I know Les Butler of course due to my recent friendship with him and his many years of radio work, but I was unaware that he traveled with a singing group. This album is stellar collection of Gospel classics that showcase Les’s incredible lead/baritone voice. Butler is the real deal and this recording is evidence of this. I am impressed with the quality of the recording as well as the vocals of each singer. The song selection also served the group well. I also enjoyed the bonus track which featured the testimony and story behind the final track on the album. Overall, this is a record that is definitely worth picking up a copy.
3.5 of 5 stars!! Go pick up a copy at www.butlermusicgroup.com