SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: PRAY FOR ME- THE INSPIRATIONS

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS

CD REVIEW:

PRAY FOR ME

THE INSPIRATIONS

RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 8, 2016

LABEL: HORIZON RECORDS

PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS, MARTIN COOK, SCOTT BARNETT

MEMBERS: MATT DIBLER (LEAD), HAROLD REED (TENOR), JOE BROWN (BASS), MARTIN COOK (PIANIST), LUKE VAUGHT (MUSICIAN), MYRON COOK (MUSICIAN), MELTON CAMPBELL (BARITONE)* CAMPBELL DEPARTED THE GROUP SHORTLY BEFORE RELEASE

REVIEW COPY PROVIDED

SONG LIST:

1. Daniel Prayed (G.T. Speer) - ft. Ensemble

2. God’s Already There (Joseph Habedank/Leah Sandlin) - ft. Melton Campbell

3. Pray for Me (Dottie Rambo/Jimmie Davis) - ft. Joe Brown

4. Child of the King (Cindy Walker/James Wills) - ft. Joe Brown

5. Surely I Come Quickly (Dianne Wilkinson) - ft. Harold Reed

6. It’s Under the Blood (Leonard Fletcher) - ft. Matt Dibler

7. Onward to the Goal (Wilkinson/Rebecca Peck) - ft. Harold Reed

8. What All the Shoutin’s About (Wilkinson/Peck) - ft. Melton Campbell

9. Jesus Picked a Rose (Peck) - ft. Matt Dibler

10. Sweet Beulah Land (Squire Parsons) - ft. Harold Reed

THOUGHTS:

The Inspirations have been a staple in Southern Gospel Music for decades. Their classic mountain sound is unmistakable; thrilling audiences across the country. The group has experienced some personnel changes in the past year including the departure of several members including bass Jon Epley. Joe Brown and Harold Reed joined the group following their time with the Diplomats in the bass and tenor positions respectively. Melton Campbell, who returned to the baritone position in 2014, left the quartet shortly before the release of this project. His vocals remain intact, but he is not included on the CD’s cover. This new recording is exactly what fans have come to expect from the quartet.

The record begins with the bluegrass classic “Daniel Prayed” which showcases the group’s exceptional blend as well as Joe Brown’s dynamic bass voice. The quartet does the song justice with a fun traditional arrangement. Melton Campbell takes the lead on the tender ballad “God’s Already There,” which says that God is always with us. We don’t need to worry about tomorrow because our God is already there! Next, Joe Brown is featured on the mid-tempo Dottie Rambo tune “Pray For Me.” This song talks about the importance of prayer in the family of God. We should pray for one another in all circumstances whether good or bad. Brown’s incredible bass voice is also showcased on the classic “Child Of The King” which is a favorite of mine. Harold Reed, former Diplomats and Kingsmen tenor, shines on the convention style “Surely I Come Quickly” written by Dianne Wilkinson. Reed’s vocal style is a perfect fit for the Inspirations. Both Reed and Brown sound like they have been singing with the group for years. Lead singer Matt Dibler is featured on the beautiful ballad “It’s Under The Blood” which says my life has been changed by Jesus Christ. His blood has washed away my sin and shame. I am not what I used to be!! Amen!! What a powerful message!! Reed is featured once again on another convention song “Onward To The Goal” which talks about the our race to Heaven. We are pressing on toward the goal of eternity with Christ! Melton Campbell gives another stellar performance on the up-tempo tune “What All The Shoutin’s About” which is a proclamation of His saving Grace. I found out what all the shouting is about when He saved my soul!! Matt Dibler takes the lead once again on a tender ballad about Heaven called “Jesus Picked A Rose.” This song showcases, once again, the impeccable blend of the quartet. The closing song “Sweet Beulah Land” is my favorite track on this album. Harold Reed delivers an absolutely incredible performance on this a cappella arrangement. The group joins him after the verses in beautiful harmony. I haven’t personally heard the group sound any better than on this song!

FINAL THOUGHTS:

GO OUT AND GET THIS CD ASAP!! WHAT A GREAT START TO 2016!! EACH MEMBER SHINES ON THIS INCREDIBLE PROJECT. NEWCOMERS JOE BROWN AND HAROLD REED BLEND PERFECTLY WITH THE GROUP WHICH STILL RETAINS THEIR CLASSIC SOUND. LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE FROM THIS LINEUP WHICH NOW INCLUDES BARITONE ROLAND KESTERSON WHO JOINED FOLLOWING MELTON CAMPBELL’S DEPARTURE.

4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!! FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.theinspirations.com and www.crossroadsmusic.com