SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: HOW GREAT THOU ART- THE SINGING CONTRACTORS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
HOW GREAT THOU ART
THE SINGING CONTRACTORS
RELEASE DATE: 2015
PRODUCER: JASON CLARK
MIXED AT GAITHER STUDIOS
MEMBERS: AARON GRAY AND JOSH ARNETT
SONG LIST:
Life Is Like A Mountain Railway- (Mazer/Ronstadt)
Why Me Lord- (Kris Kristofferson)
Amazing Grace- (Thomas W. Norton/John Newton/Scott Reynolds)
He’ll Take Care Of You- (Dan Penn/Gary Nicholson/Donnie Fritts)
The Old Rugged Cross- (Stuart Garrard/Tony Wood)
He Saw What I Could Be- (Dan Dean)
There’s Always A Place At The Table- (Gloria Gaither/Larry Gatlin)
Wine Into Water- (T. Graham Brown/Ted Hewitt/Bruce Burch)
Because He Lives- (William J. Gaither/Gloria Gaither)
How Great Thou Art- (Stuart K. Hine)
THOUGHTS:
Constructions workers, Josh Arnett and Aaron Gray, have become viral sensations. In a few short months, these friends and co-workers have taken the world by storm (myself included). Now known as the Singing Contractors, they never dreamed that the Lord would be using their love of Gospel music on a worldwide scale. The duo has since appeared on Fox & Friends as well as being recognized by former Gaither Vocal Band member Mark Lowry. This debut recording produced by Jason Clark (The Nelons) showcases the amazing talent these two possess.
The project features ten incredible songs including classic hymns: “The Old Rugged Cross,” and “Amazing Grace,” country gospel tunes: “Why Me Lord,” and “Life Is Like A Mountain Railway” as well as Gaither standards: “There’s Always A Place At The Table,” and “Because He Lives.” This CD has something for everyone! The vocal performances on this recording are simply excellent! Aaron Gray, in my humble opinion, is on par with most Southern Gospel tenors singing today. Gray’s twang filled tenor blew me away on this recording especially on the title track “How Great Thou Art.” Josh Arnett’s country lead is powerful yet tender and blends perfectly with Gray. They remind me of country duo Big & Rich in vocal tone and blend. I would also describe them as a modern day Happy Two (Leroy Abernathy & Shorty Bradford).
One of the major highlights for me on this recording is the tender country ballad “Wine Into Water,” which is a beautiful prayer in a song. It reminds us that whenever you feel low just turn to the Father. Another highlight is the updated country version of “He Saw What I Could Be,” featuring Josh. The tempo is increased from other versions such as the Cathedral Quartet’s. In addition, the track has more of a driving country rhythm to it. Also noteworthy is their cover of the GVB’s “There’s Always A Place At The Table.” The duo beautifully delivers the lyric and blends seamlessly. This track blew me away!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
PURCHASE THIS CD ASAP!!! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!! THE SINGING CONTRACTORS ARE BLESSED WITH INCREDIBLE VOICES WHICH ARE SHOWCASED ON THIS CD. THIS RECORD IS AN IMPRESSIVE DEBUT FOR THE DUO AND IS SURE TO BE THE FIRST OF MANY TOP NOTCH PROJECTS! PRODUCTION QUALITY IS FANTASTIC AS WELL!
5 OUT OF 5 STARS
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: http://thesingingcontractors.com/