SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: THE FAVORITE HYMNS OF FANNY CROSBY- ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:

SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW:

THE FAVORITE HYMNS OF FANNY CROSBY

ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND

LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS

RELEASE DATE: MAY 6, 2016

PRODUCER: WAYNE HAUN

MEMBERS: ERNIE HAASE (TENOR), DEVIN MCGLAMERY (LEAD), DUSTIN DOYLE (BARITONE), PAUL HARKEY (BASS), AND TYLER VESTAL (PIANO)

SONG LIST:

1. Praise Him! Praise Him!

2. Redeemed How I Love To Proclaim It!

3. Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior

4. Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross/In The Cross

5. Blessed Assurance

6. I Am Thine O Lord/ Draw Me Nearer

7. He Hideth My Soul

8. Tell Me The Story Of Jesus

THOUGHTS:

Some of the greatest songs ever written are the beautiful hymns of the church. This brand new recording from Ernie Haase & Signature Sound collects eight of the most well known hymns composed by beloved songwriter Fanny Crosby. In similar fashion to Soul’d Out Quartet’s recent hymns project, EHSS puts their own spin on these classic anthems while still maintaining the authenticity of the original versions. This is also the first major album with new baritone Dustin Doyle and pianist Tyler Vestal who joined last year following the departure of Doug Anderson and Wayne Haun.

(Disclaimer: My review download copy provided by Provident/Sony/Stowtown came with the songs out of order. Thus, my review is based on that initial order.)

This incredible record kicks off with a rousing, country styled version of “Blessed Assurance.” Paul Harkey and Ernie Haase sing the first and second verses respectively. Harkey’s bass gets better and better every time I hear it! Haase also nails his solo on this beautiful song of praise. Devin McGlamery takes the lead on the first verse of the beautiful anthem of trust, “He Hideth My Soul,” while Haase takes the second verse. This old spiritual style version, complete with classic church organ, is incredibly moving and features the stellar blend of this new lineup. McGlamery once again takes the lead on “I Am Thine O Lord/Draw Me Nearer,” which gets a update that includes a driving back beat and guitar that accompanies the classic piano stylings. This became one of my favorite hymns when I heard Soul’d Out Quartet’s version. This version is truly special and once again showcases the creativity of the quartet. “Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross/In The Cross” is perhaps my favorite track on this album. From the beautiful flute and piano opening, to the crystal clear tenor of Ernie Haase, and his George Younce- style recitation, this song is simply brilliant. Jesus, keep me near the cross! The quartet continues the tender, worshipful feel with the simply excellent “Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior,” featuring Dustin Doyle. Doyle absolutely nails his solo which showcases his warm tones and range. The group’s stellar harmonies are once again put on display on this track. Next, the quartet puts a Celtic twist on the rousing “Praise Him! Praise Him!,” which features McGlamery. The group keeps the dance inducing energy up with “Redeemed How I Love To Proclaim It!, featuring Doyle once again. This brilliant recording closes with a mid-tempo version of “Tell Me The Story Of Jesus,” featuring Paul Harkey. Harkey’s upper register shines on this praise and worship inspired version. Overall, this record is simply incredible!

FINAL THOUGHTS:

EHSS HAS DONE IT AGAIN! AS I SAID IN MY REVIEW OF HAPPY PEOPLE DELUXE, DUSTIN DOYLE IS A GREAT ADDTION TO THE GROUP AND FILLS THE VOID LEFT BY ANDERSON WELL. HE TRULY HAS AN INCREDIBLE VOICE! THIS CD IS SIMPLY FANTASTIC. GREAT, TIMELESS SONGS SUNG BY A GREAT QUARTET! MY ONLY GRIPE IS THAT IT IS SHORTER THAN PREVIOUS PROJECTS. I WOULD HAVE LIKED AT LEAST TWO MORE SONGS TO ROUND OUT THE CD. HOWEVER, IT IS A GREAT ALBUM NEVERTHELESS. GO OUT AND GET THIS PROJECT ASAP!!

4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!!!! FOR MORE ON EHSS, VISIT www.erniehaase.com