SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: IN THE HANDS OF A CARPENTER- LEGACY FIVE
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
IN THE HANDS OF A CARPENTER
LEGACY FIVE
RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 11, 2016, AVAILABLE NOW ON www.legacyfive.com
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS
PRODUCER: TREY IVEY, WAYNE HAUN
MEMBERS: SCOTT FOWLER (LEAD), SCOTT HOWARD (BARITONE), TREY IVEY (PIANIST), MATT FOUCH (BASS), AND JOSH FEEMSTER (TENOR)
SONG LIST:
Deep In My Heart- (Scott Inman) –ft. Ensemble
In The Hands Of A Carpenter- (Lee Black/Jerry Salley)- ft. Trey Ivey
I Trust The Cross- (Wayne Haun/Joel Lindsey)- ft. Scott Fowler
What All The Shoutin’s About- (Dianne Wilkinson/Rebecca J. Peck)- ft. Scott Fowler, Josh Feemster
Still- (Lee Black/Joel Lindsey)- ft. Scott Fowler
Who Knew- (Janice Crow)-ft. Matt Fouch
Soul Pilot- (Lee Black/Jason Cox)- ft. Josh Feemster
Lost In God’s Grace- (Rebecca J. Peck/Jerry Salley)-ft. Scott Howard
Grace Will Find You -(Lee Black/Kenna West/Tony Wood)-ft. Scott Fowler
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross- (Isaac Watts)- ft. Scott Fowler, Scott Howard, Josh Feemster
THOUGHTS:
One of the most solid and consistent quartets in Southern Gospel, Legacy Five is back with another true to style recording with In The Hands Of A Carpenter. This fresh new album includes a few covers, but mostly new material. This is also the first project to feature Josh Feemster, who replaced Gus Gaches in the tenor position. Legacy Five remains true to form on this record which is sure to delight listeners.
The record opens with the jazzy “Deep In My Heart,” which features each member showcasing their stellar vocals. This bouncy rhythm is sure to lift your spirits! Having God’s Word is a comfort to know! Next, the title track is a tender ballad featuring young pianist Trey Ivey. This brilliant lyric written by Lee Black and Jerry Salley, tells the story of Jesus from His Birth to His Resurrection. Ivey’s vocals are top notch and heartfelt. This incredible lyric is sure to be hit for the group. Definitely my favorite track on this entire record!! The fate of the whole entire world was laid in the hands of a carpenter. What a powerful statement! Scott Fowler takes the lead on the hopeful anthem “I Trust The Cross,” which simply proclaims belief in the healing power of Jesus Christ! The Cross of Christ is a refuge for all!! His precious blood still heals! There is no greater truth than the Love of Christ! I believe in Him and I trust the Cross!! Fowler delivers the lyric with great emotion and power. The quartet is backed by a choir which slightly overshadowed the quartet on the ending. However, it is still a solid track!
The jazzy style returns with the fun “What All The Shoutin’s About,” written by Dianne Wilkinson and Rebecca Peck. This upbeat track, also recently recorded by the Inspirations, simply expresses the joy and transforming power of the Lord. He gives me life so abundant that I can’t contain my joy!! He saved my soul and I will shout it out!! Next, Scott Fowler once again takes the lead on the mid-tempo ballad “Still,” written by Lee Black and Joel Lindsey and showcases the group’s impeccable harmony. This poignant reminder of God’s faithfulness is definitely a standout track on this record. Christ is still in control! Hold to His unchanging hand! He is still on His throne! Matt Fouch is featured on the smooth jazz styled “Who Knew,” which encourages us to trust in Christ and give Him your cares. This song asks the question “Who knew there could be sunshine in the rain?” We are made happy again in the Love of Jesus. Someday in Heaven I’ll meet my Jesus, the one who knew. Fouch turns in a stellar performance, one of his best in my opinion, on this tender track. Definitely one my favorite songs on this record! New tenor Josh Feemster gets his first full feature on the up-tempo tune “Soul Pilot.” Feemster shines on this song which asks the Lord to take hold of our lives. Lead us and guide us in your way! Jesus is the soul pilot! Feemster is blending well with the quartet and is coming into his own as a tenor nicely. Stalwart member Scott Howard nails his feature: the bluesy, organ infused “Lost In God’s Grace.” This thoughtful lyric tells of the power of forgiveness. Howard’s warm baritone fits this song like a glove. “Grace Will Find You,” is simply a gem. Scott Fowler gives his strongest performance of the album on this stellar track. When it seems like all is lost, remember He cares for you. It is His heart to pursue you! Anywhere you are, Grace will find you. The album closes with a rousing rendition of “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross,” complete with orchestration and backing choir. I greatly enjoyed the song, but the orchestration and choir were a bit overwhelming at times. Personally, I would have liked the focus to be purely on the quartet’s vocals alone. That’s a minor nitpick though!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
OVERALL, THIS IS ANOTHER SOLID PROJECT FROM ONE OF THE BEST QUARTETS IN SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC. THE GROUP IS TRUE TO FORM ON THIS CD WHICH SHOWCASES ONCE AGAIN THE TALENT OF EACH MEMBER. HIGHLIGHTS FOR ME INCLUDE: TREY IVEY’S PERFROMANCE ON “IN THE HANDS OF A CARPENTER,” MATT FOUCH ON “WHO KNEW,” SCOTT FOWLER ON “GRACE WILL FIND YOU,” AND SCOTT HOWARD ON “LOST IN GOD’S GRACE.” I WOULD HAVE LIKED ANOTHER MAJOR FEATURE FROM FEEMSTER AND HOWARD BUT THAT DOESN’T DETRACT FROM MY ENJOYMENT OF THIS RECORD.
GO GET THIS CD NOW! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
FOR MORE ON LEGACY FIVE VISIT: www.legacyfive.com