SPOTLIGHT SPECIAL: CD REVIEW/INTERVIEW: SOMETHING WORTH SAVING- THE MCKAMEYS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
Something Worth Saving: A Brief Look At The McKameys
As human beings, we grow attached to many things. Physical items such as photos, art, and jewels hold sentimental value to many. However, these things won’t matter at the end of the day. It is hard to believe that God loved us so much that He saved us. Even though we are sinners, the Lord of all things said we are something worth saving.
This is the central theme of the brand new project from legendary family group, The McKameys. This highly successful mixed group has been blessed with over twenty number one hits in their over fifty year career. Peg McKamey Bean founded the group in 1954 with her sisters Dora and Carol, originally called the McKamey Sisters. This trio later transformed into a quartet simply called the McKameys with the addition of Peg’s husband Ruben Bean as the group’s bass singer. This group’s dedication to spreading the Gospel is clearly evident. Their musical talent shines on each recording. This new CD is no different as it contains songs of promise and hope. In celebration of the upcoming release of this project, I contacted the group for a brief interview.
Here is my chat with Peg McKamey Bean:
Justin Gilmore: Hello Mrs. Bean, Tell me about the early days of the group.
Peg McKamey Bean: The early days were closer home, yet very rewarding. The family started full time in 1980 with mom (Peg) and pop (Ruben) and both girls Connie and Sheryl. We have since added Connie's husband Roger Fortner and their son Elijah Fortner.
Gilmore: Great! What is the group's mission statement?
Bean: Our goal in leading worship is lifting up the one who is worthy, our Lord Jesus Christ. We still do. That is what gospel music does!
Gilmore: Amen! Who are the group's musical influences?
Bean: Our parents were our musical influences.
Gilmore: What is the most memorable experience the group has had in its career of singing Gospel Music?
Bean: We treasure every memorable experience we have had in these great years.
Gilmore: Talk about your latest CD release.
Bean: Our latest CD will be released June 10, 2016 at our Hometown Sing at Clinton, TN. This is an annual event in Clinton, TN. People from 26 states were present last year and we invite everyone to come to Clinton, TN June 10th and 11th for the singing. The new CD has 10 new songs. They are the best yet. The title is "Something Worth Saving" thank the Lord for great songs. Our first single is "That's Why There's A Cross" will be the first song released from this project.
Gilmore: This project is great! Can’t wait for people to hear it! What can fans expect from the group this year?
Bean: We will again be faithful in lifting up our Lord to a lost world. Come to see us when you can. Always pray for us.
Gilmore: Thanks for your time!
Bean: Blessings!
CD Review:
SOMETHING WORTH SAVING
THE MCKAMEYS
PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS AND ROGER FORTNER
MEMBERS: PEG MCKAMEY BEAN (ALTO/LEAD), RUBEN BEAN (BASS VOCALS, MANAGER), CONNIE FORTNER (SOPRANO), SHERYL FARRIS (ALTO)
RECORD LABEL: HORIZON RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 10, 2016
SONG LIST:
Christ Is Able- Tommy Walker, Mike Harland
I’ve Been In The Book- Rebecca J Peck, Dianne Wilkinson
Bring You Glory- Leigh Parsons Sexton
I Believe- Sheryl Farris
That’s Why There’s A Cross- Sheryl Farris
A Few Things- Rodney Birch
Back To Bethel- Larry Whitehead
Days Gone By- Rebecca J. Peck, Dianne Wilkinson
Something Worth Saving- Larry Whitehead
Come To My Rescue- Sheryl Farris
THOUGHTS:
This musical journey begins with a tender ballad called “Christ Is Able.” This song is simply beautiful! I wasn’t too familiar with this group and their sound, but I was immediately captivated by this opening song. This showcases their harmonies well and sets the tone for this record. He is able still to save!! Amen! Next, the tempo picks up with a Rebecca Peck and Dianne Wilkinson penned number “I’ve Been In The Book.” This fun tune is a quartet song through and through. The message of this song is simple: hide the Word of God in your heart! The Bible is His Word and is a light unto my path. I’ve been in the book and now it is in me! Peg McKamey Bean nails this energetic song. “Bring You Glory,” is a beautiful prayer in song. Our plea is that we bring Him glory in our lives. Peg and Ruben’s first born, Connie Fortner takes the lead on this powerful track. Roger and Connie’s son, Eli gets his chance to shine on the groovy “I Believe.” This proclamation song written by Sheryl Farris (alto) is full of praise to Christ. It simply says: I follow Him because I believe who He says He is. Farris, the youngest daughter of the Bean’s, takes the lead on the project’s first single, “That’s Why There’s A Cross.” This powerful anthem, also written by Farris, addresses that need for Christ in this broken world. The tag says it all: “He sent His own Son for/ What seemed a lost cause/ Sin’s debt was paid/ that’s why there’s a cross.” This song is perhaps my personal favorite on this album. It also worth noting that the mix on this song allows the listener to hear the solid bass vocal of Ruben Bean. Roger Fortner, who joined the group in 1987, shines on the country styled mid-tempo tune “A Few Things,” which is another simple prayer in song. Fortner’s performance captures the essence of this incredible lyric well. Peg is featured again on “Back To Bethel,” a laid back country style tune written by Larry Whitehead. This song is a reminder of the time the Lord saved your soul. When you’re feeling low, just remember His love for you. Connie is once again featured on “Days Gone By,” which reminds us of God’s faithfulness. He is always there and will see me through just as in days gone by. Ruben Bean is featured on the title track which is simply brilliant. Though I am unworthy and a sinner, He must have seen something worth saving when He saved me. My God is real and His mercy covers me!! Amen! Such a powerful song! From the pen of Sheryl Farris comes the closing track, “Come To My Recsue.” Farris is featured on this incredible song which is a plea to Christ. Wash me clean of my sins!! I need you to rescue me! I cannot live without Him!! What an incredible lyric and performance!
FINAL THOUGHTS: This record is stellar! The McKameys once again provide listeners with Bible based lyrics and incredible vocal performances! GO GET THIS CD ASAP!! 4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!! www.mckameysonline.com