SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: FULL SAIL- MARK TRAMMELL QUARTET
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
FULL SAIL
MARK TRAMMELL QUARTET
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 2016, AVAILABLE NOW
PRODUCED AND ARRANGED BY: JEFF COLLINS, TREY IVEY, MARK TRAMMELL
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: MARK TRAMMELL
MEMBERS: MARK TRAMMELL (BARITONE), NICK TRAMMELL (LEAD), RANDY BYRD (BASS), AND BLAKE BUFFIN (TENOR)
SONG LIST:
1. All the Way Home (Rebecca Peck/Dianne Wilkinson)-ft. Ensemble
2. My Faith Still Holds (Bill Gaither/Gloria Gaither) –ft. Mark Trammell
3. Go Show John (Rodney Griffin/Dianne Wilkinson) -ft. Nick Trammell
4. Treasures in Heaven (Rebecca Peck) –ft. Randy Byrd
5. Already in Canaan Land (Rodney Griffin) –ft. Mark Trammell
6. He Hideth My Soul (Fanny Crosby/William Kirkpatrick) –ft. Blake Buffin
7. Led Out of Bondage (Bob Prather) –ft. Randy Byrd
8. More Than You’ll Ever Know (Dave Crawford/Roy Lee Johnson) –ft. Blake Buffin
9. God Takes Good Care of Me (Henry Slaughter) –ft. Mark Trammell
10. Redeemer of My Soul (Rebecca Peck/Dianne Wilkinson) –ft. Ensemble, Nick Trammell, Mark Trammell
THOUGHTS:
Mark Trammell Quartet is back with their first mainline record with new members Blake Buffin and Randy Byrd entitled Full Sail. “We have been looking at songs for two years for this project, the title of it is Full Sail," says Mark Trammell. "Picking the right songs is a process I don’t rush through. We record songs that are musically fun for us to sing and the audience to hear, but more importantly, they have a message that will stay with the people after they leave one of our concerts.” The term “full sail” refers to the command given by the captain when the waters are still. There is no danger and all is calm. This is true for us as Christians as well. God has everything under control and calms our stormy waters of life. “Each song leads us to the same mindset, the same concept. Whether you are nearing the end of a journey or feel that you are ready to live for Christ in a way you never have before, we pray these songs will lift you up along the way,” Mark adds. This incredible record does just that!! MTQ delivers once again with this masterfully produced collection of great songs!
This recording opens with the stirring up tempo number “All The Way Home,” which was penned by Dianne Wilkinson and Rebecca Peck. This song features the ensemble’s impeccable blend and fun counterpoint in the chorus reminiscent of many recent Kingdom Heirs songs. Next, one of the major highlights of the project is the quartet’s rendition of the Bill and Gloria Gaither classic “My Faith Still Holds.” Mark Trammell gives a powerful performance and this equally powerful lyric. This song is a proclamation of belief in Christ through faith. “Though the end of where I’m bound I may not see, I choose to place my trust in Calvary!” Trammell and the quartet deliver a stellar performance on par with that of the Gaither Vocal Band. “Go Show John,” from the pen of Dianne Wilkinson and Rodney Griffin, is a country and traditional style track that tells of the miracles of Christ. Nick Trammell shines on the second verse which reminds us that God can free us from our chains and doubts. Next, bass singer Randy Byrd takes the lead on a mid-tempo jazzy arrangement of “Treasures In Heaven,” which appeared on the latest Jubilee CD. Byrd’s smooth tones add that classic style to this relatively new track.
The group’s first single from the recording is the upbeat “Already In Canaanland,” which expresses the joy in times when it feels like God has brought a little bit a Heaven on Earth. Sometimes when the Spirit moves, it feels like I’m already in Glory Land!
This project isn’t without the classics! Mark Trammell Quartet brings back a beautiful arrangement of the hymn “He Hideth My Soul,” originally recorded by the legendary Blackwood Brothers. Tommy Fairchild, the original arranger, worked with the quartet to master his version, which in my opinion, they did in spades. This is something that I haven’t heard the group do before. Blake Buffin gives a brilliant performance on the second verse which reminded me of the classic tenors of old. Next, Randy Byrd is featured on the fast moving “Led Out Of Bondage,” which was a popular George Younce feature that tells the story of Moses. Byrd gives a performance that would make Younce proud. MTQ also covers two standards from the vast discography of the Imperials: the moving ballad “More Than You’ll Ever Know,” and the fun “God Takes Good Care Of Me.” Buffin is featured on the former which simply says “Christ means more to me than you’ll ever know!” This is hands down my favourite track on this record! Buffin is a fantastic vocalist and nails the lead on this beautiful lyric. The harmonies on the choruses are simply exquisite. Mark Trammell takes the lead on the latter: a classic Jake Hess feature. This fun song reminds us the God is always with us! He is taking good care of me! The album closes with a beautiful orchestrated ballad “Redeemer Of My Soul,” written by Dianne Wilkinson and Rebecca Peck. Trey Ivey arranged this moving ballad which proclaims the saving power of Christ! He is a Wonderful Savior, the Redeemer of my soul! Both Trammells are featured on this great lyric!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THIS IS DEFINITELY WITHOUT QUESTION MY FAVORITE ALBUM FROM THE MARK TRAMMELL QUARTET. EACH MEMBER DELIVERS FANTASTIC VOCAL PERFORMANCES ON INCREDIBLY WELL WRITTEN AND MEANINGFUL SONGS. BLAKE BUFFIN, IN PARTICULAR, BLEW ME AWAY WITH HIS RENDITION OF “MORE THAN YOU’LL EVER KNOW.” OVERALL, THIS IS A RECORD YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS!
GO GET THIS CD ASAP!!
5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE ON MARK TRAMMELL QUARTET VISIT: www.marktrammellministries.com