SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: HYMNS- SOUL'D OUT QUARTET
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
CD REIVEW:
HYMNS
SOUL’D OUT QUARTET
MEMBERS: MATT RANKIN (LEAD/BARITONE), BRYAN HUTSON (BARITONE/LEAD), DUSTY BARRETT (TENOR), AND IAN OWENS (BASS)
LABEL: INDEPENDENT (IN HOUSE)
RELEASE: DECEMBER 2015
SONG LIST:
Blessed Assurance- featuring Ian Owens, Dusty Barrett, Bryan Huston
He Leadeth Me- featuring Ensemble
Victory in Jesus- featuring Bryan Hutson
Give Me Jesus- featuring Dusty Barrett
No Not One- featuring Ian Owens, Matt Rankin, Bryan Huston, and Dusty Barrett
I Must Tell Jesus- featuring Matt Rankin
Old Rugged Cross- featuring Ian Owens
Sweet By and By- featuring Matt Rankin
Great Is Thy Faithfulness- featuring Bryan Hutson
I'll Fly Away- featuring Ensemble, Matt Rankin, Bryan Hutson, Dusty Barrett
THOUGHTS:
Soul’d Out Quartet is known for their exciting sound and blend of traditional and progressive style. For this new recording, the group looked to the fans for support by running a Kickstarter campaign. The resulting project is probably one of their most unique projects to date (I mean that in the best way). One of today’s leading quartets takes 10 of our classic and beloved hymns and put their own twist on them. These aren’t the versions you are used to, but I’m telling you all that they are great!!
This record begins a more traditional version of “Blessed Assurance” featuring bass Ian Owens, tenor Dusty Barrett, and baritone Bryan Huston. Hutson nails the third verse which includes a powerful note. Next, “He Leadeth Me” gets a folky sounding treatment and showcases the beautiful blend of this talented quartet. Bryan Hutson is featured on a groovy update of “Victory In Jesus” which reminds me of David Phelps’ version of “Heaven Came Down.” This is a fantastic new take on the song. The crystal clear tenor voice of Dusty Barrett takes the lead on the tender mid-tempo hymn “Give Me Jesus.” The simple organ playing coupled with piano followed by a later key change make for an incredible track. Barrett’s vocals are on point and his delivery is excellent. Next, another classic gets a groovy update in the form of “No Not One” which features each member in excellent vocal form. I love the message of this song which is simple: there is no one like our Lord. No not one, no not one. Lead singer Matt Rankin is featured on the bluegrass style mid-tempo “I Must Tell Jesus.” Rankin truly impressed me with his solos as well as this fresh take on the song. This is quite possibly one of the best versions of the song, in my humble opinion. The group’s blend on the last choruses is absolutely incredible. Bass singer Ian Owens is featured on one of my favorite hymns “The Old Rugged Cross.” This version is similar to that which he performed with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound but with the addition of the second verse and new orchestration. This new version is breathtaking and reinforces my earlier opinion about Owens. Ian Owens shines on this song and proves that he is one of the best bass vocalists on the road today. Next, the group steps out of the box with a unique up-tempo take on “In The Sweet Bye And Bye” featuring Matt Rankin. This is the most progressive track on the album and is definitely different than the original. I thought once again that it was a great version of the song. Bryan Hutson takes the lead again on the classic “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” which is more in the traditional style. Complete with beautiful orchestration and solid vocals, this is definitely one of the highlights of this project. Once again the blend of the group shines as well. This incredible recording closes with another very different version of a standard. The group gives a funky/ hip-hop treatment to “I’ll Fly Away” which features the repetitive phrase “Up, up gonna fly away, gonna fly away someday.” It features each member and is a fun take on the classic song.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
This project was definitely not what I was expecting it to be, but in a good way. When I heard of its development, several months ago, I assumed that it would be a more traditional recording. This was a fantastic project in part due to its unique take on these classic songs of the Church. Each member turns in excellent performances and the production quality is top notch. I truly enjoyed each track on this CD and the new arrangements. Ian Owens’s performance of “The Old Rugged Cross,” Bryan Hutson’s on “Great Is Thy Faitfulness,” and Matt Rankin’s on “I Must Tell Jesus” were the major highlights for me on this project. All in all, this was definitely a great CD which showcases the vocal talent and creativity of this incredible quartet. Soul’d Out puts their stamp on these hymns in a great and enjoyable way.
4.5 out of 5 stars. For more information on the group and to purchase the CD, visit: www.souldoutquartet.com