SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: REWIND- MARK TRAMMELL QUARTET
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
CD REVIEW
REWIND
ARTIST: MARK TRAMMELL QUARTET
MEMBERS: MARK TRAMMELL (BARITONE), NICK TRAMMELL (LEAD), RANDY BYRD (BASS), AND BLAKE BUFFIN (TENOR)
RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 2015
PRODUCER: MARK TRAMMELL
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS, COURTESY OF CRIMSON ROAD PRODUCTIONS
SONG LIST:
HEAVEN- MARK MATHES (originally appeared on Love To Tell The Story in 2002)
COMING OUT AND MOVING IN- KYLA ROWLAND (originally appeared on Always Have A Song in 2008)
I AM FREE- DIANNE WILKINSON (originally appeared on Beside Still Waters in 2004)
WHEN THEY RING THE BELLS OF HEAVEN- ALBERT BRUMLEY AND MARION W. EASTERLING (originally appeared on Beside Still Waters in 2004)
I NEEDED TO HEAR THAT- KYLA ROWLAND (originally appeared on This Time in 2005)
I KNOW THAT I KNOW- JOEL LINDSEY AND WAYNE HAUN (originally appeared on Always Have A Song in 2008)
LOVING THE LAMB- KYLA ROWLAND (originally appeared on Always Have A Song in 2008)
IT’S JESUS- DIANNE WILKINSON (originally appeared on Something Good in 2003)
WHEN COMPARED TO GOD- RODNEY GRIFFIN (originally appeared on This Time in 2005)
IF ONLY JUST A FEW- RODNEY GRIFFIN (originally appeared on Always Have A Song in 2008)
THOUGHTS:
Following his departure from Gold City in 2002, Mark Trammell founded his own group simply called the Mark Trammell Trio. The trio experienced great success with songs such as “I Know That I Know,” “Coming Out And Moving In,” and “Loving The Lamb.” Trammell is quartet man at his core so in 2010 he decided to add a bass singer to his already incredible trio. The quartet continues to be blessed with success in this chapter of their ministry. While the group has several new hits, audiences still request to hear those classic songs from the trio days. Due to the popularity of these songs, Trammell and the quartet decided to revisit ten of the most memorable songs from the trio days.
Mark Trammell’s warm and powerful baritone is the anchor of the quartet’s stellar sound. His standout features, in my opinion, are the Rodney Griffin penned ballad “If Only Just A Few,” the driving upbeat “It’s Jesus,” and the beautiful anthem “Loving The Lamb.” This record truly showcases one of Southern Gospel Music’s most beloved and talented vocalists.
Trammell’s son Nick shines on several tracks as well. His distinctive lead voice can be heard on the Kyla Rowland penned quartet style tune “Coming Out And Moving In” which talks about moving to out Heavenly home.
Randy Byrd, who joined the group last year following the departure of Pat Barker, adds his incredibly smooth bass voice these classic songs. While he doesn’t get any solos, he has several step-out lines on songs such as “Heaven,” “Coming Out And Moving In,” and the Albert Brumley classic convention song “When They Ring The Bells Of Heaven.” All in all, Byrd blew me away with his ability to seamlessly blend with the group. His subtle yet powerful low notes add a depth to the overall sound which is incredible to hear. He is a great addition to this group.
Tenor Blake Buffin, the newest member of the quartet, joined the group this year, but in my opinion, he sounds like he has been a member for years. His crystal clear tenor takes the lead on the Rodney Griffin penned island style “When Compared To God” which reminds us that God is supreme. Remember that God is bigger than all of your problems. I was blown away with his ability to hit the incredibly difficult high notes on “Loving The Lamb,” which was originally sung by Eric Phillips. The song is sung in the same key here as it was on the original recording.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The Mark Trammell Quartet continues to produce great quality recordings and Rewind is a welcome addition to this list. I love the concept of a group revisiting songs they previously recorded. More groups should do this as far as I’m concerned. I also believe that each new version does the original justice. Each vocalist shines on this project and the new blend is incredible. This CD serves as an introduction to new tenor Blake Buffin who is sure to become a fan favorite tenor. I enjoyed this project immensely; however, my only wish is that Randy Byrd was featured more. Byrd only received a few step-out lines rather than a full solo. Overall, this record was well done in terms of vocals, song selection, and production quality.
4 out of 5 stars!!
GO OUT AND GET THIS CD NOW!! Visit: www.marktrammellministries.com