Special CD Review: Happy People (Deluxe Edition)- Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
CD Review
Happy People (Deluxe Edition)
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Release Date: October 2, 2015
Label: StowTown Records
Members: Ernie Haase (Tenor), Devin McGlamery (Lead), Dustin Doyle (Baritone), Paul Harkey (Bass), Wayne Haun (Piano), [Doug Anderson’s vocals remain mostly intact]
Review Copy Provided
Song list: (Bold Titles ft. Dustin's vocals)
“One Of These Mornings” – [Herbert Brewster]
“Happy People” – [Ernie Haase/Wayne Haun/Joel Lindsey]
“Thank You For Saving Me” – [Michael Farren/Greg Sykes]
“Love Walked In” – [Wayne Haun/Jeff Bumgardner]
“Jesus Changed Everything” – [Ernie Haase/Wayne Haun /Joel Lindsey]
“Let Your Love Light Shine” – [Rachel McCutcheon]
“Angels Everywhere” – [Ernie Haase/Dianne Wilkinson]
“It’s Good To See The Sun” – [Ernie Haase/Wayne Haun/Joel Lindsey]
“Joshua Led God’s Children” – [Vep Ellis] *Recut to feature Devin on lead
“A Soldier Fighting To Go Home” – [Joel Lindsey /David Pike]
“I Do Believe” – [William J. Gaither/Gloria Gaither]
“Redemption Draweth Nigh” – [Gordon Jensen]
“It’s Jesus In Me” – [Ernie Haase/Dianne Wilkinson]
“Go Down Moses” – [Ernie Haase/Wayne Haun/Joel Lindsey]
“Oh What A Savior” – [Marvin P. Dalton]
QUICK THOUGHTS:
When it was announced that EHSS would be releasing a new version of Happy People featuring new baritone Dustin Doyle, I was immediately intrigued. I was eager to hear the new lineup and Doyle’s blend with the quartet. Also, Doug Anderson left some pretty big shoes to fill in my opinion. This CD is an interesting mix of both Doug Anderson and Dustin Doyle as half of the record is left untouched (7 songs in my estimation still have Anderson’s vocals) and the other eight tracks have Doyle’s vocals. So instead of reanalyzing the entire album (see my review here), let’s look at the songs featuring the current lineup.
I was only expecting two of the previous tracks to be recut based on information on the Provident website and Dustin himself along with four new songs. However, upon listening, I was pleasantly surprised to find that two more of the songs from the original record were recut to feature Doyle’s smooth baritone. Dustin’s first chronological feature is on “Jesus Changed Everything” which to me solidifies his position his in the group. He absolutely nails the solo and blends beautifully with the group. Another standout for Anderson was his solo on the second verse of “I’m A Soldier.” I was able to hear this live in concert back in August and was blown away by Doyle’s performance. He delivers the beautiful lyric with emotion and showcases his vocal ability.
Dustin also shines on another surprise recut “I Do Believe.” I listened to the track thinking that Doug’s vocal’s were still intact, but quickly realized that it was in fact Dustin singing the lead. I didn’t think they would change this song at all given the response to it and Anderson’s incredible vocal performance. However, I was once again blown away by Doyle’s performance on this song. He truly is the right fit for this group and fills the void left by Anderson well. Listeners will not be disappointed with these rerecorded tracks.
Another recut track was "Joshua Led God's Children" which now features Devin McGlamery (Lead/Baritone) replacing Doug on the verses. This was an unexpected delight to find on this project. Devin did a great job on this fun convention song.
Now for the new material, listeners are treated to four brand new tracks on this deluxe album including: Dustin’s introduction song “Redemption Draweth Nigh,” the happy sounding ditty “It’s Jesus In Me,” the old spiritual style a cappella tune “Go Down Moses,” and yet another (simple piano & organ) version of the classic “Oh What A Savior.” These four tracks showcase the new lineup on fresh material. While I enjoyed each of these songs, the standout track for me is “Go Down Moses.” Paul Harkey, who only had one major solo on the previous version of the CD, takes the lead on this spiritual style song penned by Ernie Haase, Wayne Haun, and Joel Lindsay. Harkey’s incredible bass voice shines on this fun a cappella tune.
Overall, this Deluxe Edition is fantastic! Dustin Doyle truly proves to be a worthy replacement for Doug Anderson on this rehash of their latest hit CD Happy People. This is a must buy for fans of the first version and for those who want their first recording of the new lineup. 4.5 out of 5 stars. Be sure to get a copy on October 2nd at www.erniehaase.com or wherever CDs are sold.