SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: CLASSICS VOLUME ONE- THE BLACKWOOD BROTHERS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
CLASSICS VOLUME ONE
BLACKWOOD BROTHERS QUARTET
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 2016
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS
PRODUCER: TREY IVEY
MEMBERS: BILLY BLACKWOOD (BARITONE), MICHAEL HELWIG (LEAD), BUTCH OWENS (BASS), AND WAYNE LITTLE (TENOR)
SONG LIST:
I’d Rather Have Jesus (George Beverly Shea/Rhea Miller)
He Touched Me (William J. Gaither)
If That Isn’t Love (Dottie Rambo)
Who Am I (Charles Goodman)
The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power (Andrae Crouch)
Without Him (Mylon LeFevre)
Sweet Beulah Land (Squire Parsons)
What A Day That Will Be (James Hill)
The Eastern Gate (Isaiah G. Martin)
The Love of God (Frederick Lehman)
THOUGHTS:
The Blackwood Brothers are sounding better than ever on this record of well loved Southern Gospel standards. This record features ten “classics” from the golden era of Southern Gospel Music which is preserved by legendary groups including the Blackwood Brothers Quartet. The production of this album, in my opinion, is really solid. Trey Ivey has quickly become one Southern Gospel Music’s best arrangers and producers. He does not disappoint on this incredible, yet simple recording. This album takes listeners back to the good old days with classic piano and vocal arrangements of songs including: ““If That Isn’t Love,” “Sweet Beulah Land,” “He Touched Me,” “Who Am I,” and “The Eastern Gate.”
Each vocalist shines on this recording. Lead singer Michael Helwig nails his feature on the Andrae Crouch penned standard “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power,” which is a truly emotion filled rendition. Another standout feature from Helwig is on the moving hymn “The Love Of God.” This version is simply fantastic and unique as it includes a chorus of the Vep Ellis song. Tenor Wayne Little delivers the lyrics of “If That Isn’t Love,” and “Sweet Beulah Land,” brilliantly. Little is a highly underrated tenor in my opinion. His solos are stellar on this record. Butch Owens takes the lead on the Goodman classic “Who Am I,” which showcases his smooth bass voice. Owens is also featured on the only non-ballad track on album “The Eastern Gate,” which showcases his lower register nicely. Billy Blackwood shines on the Gaither classic “He Touched Me,” and the Mylon Lefevre penned “Without Him.” Blackwood’s warm baritone is always a joy to hear.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Overall, this project captures the feel of the early days of Southern Gospel Music as only the Blackwood Brothers can do. The simplicity of this project allows for the timeless messages of these incredible songs to shine. The vocal performances are simply brilliant! While I would have liked to hear a few up-tempo tracks on this record, it ultimately doesn’t detract from my enjoyment of this record.
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.blackwoodbrothers.com