SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: FAITH IN A GREAT GOD- THE CAROLINA BOYS QUARTET
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
FAITH IN A GREAT GOD
THE CAROLINA BOYS QUARTET
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
LABEL: SKYLAND RECORDS
PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS
MEMBERS: PATRICK CAMPBELL (TENOR), CHUCK LOWE (LEAD), TOBY FRICKS (BARITONE), AND STEPHEN JEWELL (BASS)
SONG LIST:
For Every Goliath (Kristi Fitzwater/Jerald Hall)
God Made A Way (John M. Robinson/Twila LaBar)
By A Show Of Hands (Kristi Fitzwater/Belinda Smith/Lee Black)
Treasures In Heaven (Rebecca Peck)
He Still Moves Mountains For Me (William Shane Roark/Gary L. Cunningham)
Faith In A Great God (Kristi Fitzwater/Belinda Smith/Lee Black)
Blood of Jesus (Phil Cross)
I Cried Out (Dianne Wilkinson)
I Didn’t See Him Rise (Regina Walden)
When They Had Prayed (John Matt Rankin)
God Shed His Grace On Me (Kristi Fitzwater/Belinda Smith/Lee Black)
Walk With Me (Al Langdon/Peter J. Zondervan)
THOUGHTS:
This talented quartet from Anderson, South Carolina is back with another exciting recording. Faith In A Great God is the group’s first project in two years and their fourth on the Skyland Records label. The group is comprised of four talented vocalists: Patrick Campbell (Tenor), Chuck Lowe (Lead), Toby Fricks (Baritone), and Stephen Jewell (Bass).
The album opens with the driving rhythm and brass of the first single “For Every Goliath.” This song of hope features baritone singer Toby Fricks and sets the tone for this project. The upbeat track also showcases the quartet’s great blend as well. Lead singer Chuck Lowe is featured on the group’s rendition of Liberty Quartet’s “God Made A Way,” which tells of Christ’s transforming power. He made a way for me! I’m redeemed because of Calvary. Patrick Campbell’s impressive tenor voice is showcased on the powerful ballad “By A Show Of Hands,” which tells the story of a doubter who becomes a believer. Campbell turns in an incredible performance on this track. Next, the quartet takes on the fun, upbeat “Treasures In Heaven,” penned by Rebecca Peck. This version is similar to the energetic version sung by the Jubilee groups (Legacy Five, Greater Vision, and Booth Brothers). Baritone Toby Fricks takes the lead on the tender ballad “He Still Move Mountains,” which reminds us of Christ’s power and faithfulness. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is big enough to solve your biggest problems. He can move any mountain in your way!
Bass singer Stephen Jewell is featured on the title track “Faith In A Great God,” a fun, upbeat song of praise. Jewell’s bass serves the song well, but in my opinion could be a bit stronger. He is a solid bass singer though and adds a great anchor to the group’s sound. Lowe is featured once again on the Phil Cross penned ballad “Blood Of Jesus,” which tells of redeeming power of Christ. “His blood still washes the soul whiter than snow!” This song once again showcases the rock solid harmonies of this talented quartet. “I Cried Out,” written by Dianne Wilkinson, is a prayer in a song and would sound at home on a Kingdom Heirs record. Fricks takes the lead on the verses of this energetic convention style song. The power ballad “I Didn’t See Him Rise,” features Lowe’s powerful lead. Blessed are the ones who have not seen yet believe!!
Jewell is featured again on a cover of Soul’d Out Quartet’s “When They Had Prayed,” written by John Matt Rankin (lead/baritone of Soul’d Out) complete with a fresh track. I really enjoyed the quartet’s take on one of my favorite songs from SOQ’s catalogue. Jewell’s bass voice fit well on this song which originally featured Bryan Hutson. “God Shed His Grace On Me,” features Lowe once again in perhaps his best vocal on the project. This ballad tells of Christ’s sacrifice for us! He shed His Grace on me and I will never be the same! Christ died for all so that we can live with Him forever. We are redeemed through the blood of Christ! The record closes with a traditional arrangement of the classic “Walk With Me,” featuring Patrick Campbell’s classic style tenor. Campbell delivers the lyric penned by Al Langdon and Peter J. Zondervan beautifully.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THE CAROLINA BOYS ARE A SOLID QUARTET WITH GREAT VOCAL TALENT. THIS RECORD SHOWCASES THEIR SMOOTH BLEND AND VOCAL STRENGTHS. THE GROUP DOES WELL WHEN IT COMES TO SONG SELECTION AND THIS RECORD TRULY EXHIBITS. THE SONGS ON THIS CD ARE WELL CRAFTED BY SOME OF SOUTHERN GOSPEL’S MOST NOTED WRITERS. OVERALL, THIS IS A FRESH AND EXCITING RECORD THAT IS SURE TO BE A HIT WITH AUDIENCES.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.carolinaboysquartet.com/