SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: REFLECTIONS- GENE MCDONALD
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
REFLECTIONS
GENE MCDONALD
RELEASE DATE: AVAILABLE NOW AT CONCERTS OR AT www.genemcdonaldmusic.com
PRODUCER: KEVIN WILLIAMS
SONG LIST:
ALL ABOARD (PUBLIC DOMAIN)- FT. CHARLOTTE RITCHIE, JOYCE MARTIN SANDERS, & BECKY ISAACS BOWMAN
STAND BY ME (PD)- FT. ANGELA PRIMM & DEVONNE FOLKES
HOLY GROUND (GERON DAVIS)
HALLELUJAH FOR THE CROSS (ROSS SULLIVAN, BRANDON TODD WRIGHT) FT. REGGIE & LAYDE LOVE SMITH
THESE THINGS SHALL PASS (STUART HAMBLEN)
THE CENTER OF MY JOY (WILLIAM J. GAITHER, GLORIA GAITHER, RICHARD SMALLWOOD)- FT. BETHEL UNIVERSITY RENAISSANCE CHOIR
THIS OLE HOUSE (STUART HAMBLEN)- FT. ADAM CRABB & SHANE MCCONNELL
WAFARING STRANGER (PD)- FT. BUDDY GREENE, KEVIN WILLIAMS, SOUTHERN RAISED
REFLECTION OF PERFECTION (STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN)
STAND BY ME (PD)- FT. BETHEL UNIVERSITY RENAISSANCE CHOIR
I WALKED TODAY WHERE JESUS WALKED (GLORIA GAITHER, GREG NELSON)
THOUGHTS:
Gene McDonald is one of Gospel Music most beloved bass vocalists. His rich, smooth, and deep tones delight audiences all over the country. McDonald is back again with another solo project that showcases his unique voice as well as the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This exciting new record kicks off with a groovy rendition of the classic "All Aboard" which looks ahead to our journey to Heaven. Next, McDonald shines on "Stand By Me" the song made popular in recent years by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. This mid- tempo groove is a great vehicle for McDonald's impressive range. The background vocals from Angie Primm and Devonne Folkes added a fun church choir feel to the song. "Holy Ground" showcases McDonald's beautiful upper register. This great lyric praises Christ and His Holiness. Gene is joined by Reggie and Layde Love Smith on the Celtic styled "Hallelujah For The Cross," which tells of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. Hallelujah! Love has won! God my Savior made a way for me! Next, McDonald covers a Stuart Hamblen classic "These Things Shall Pass," which reminds us that this world is only temporary. The Lord endures forever! "The Center Of My Joy" praises Christ for His faithfulness. McDonald is backed by the Bethel University Renaissance Choir to great effect. McDonald covers the popular "This Ole House," putting his own spin on the classic. This track is definitely one of my favorites on the CD! My favorite, however, is the hauntingly beautiful "Wayfaring Stranger." McDonald gives a stellar performance on this country western song. Next, McDonald takes on Steven Curtis Chapman's "I'm A Reflection," which simply says that we are to be reflections of Christ. His love shines through everything! Another highlight is the beautiful a cappella rendition of the classic "Stand By Me." Lord stand by me through every day! The albulm closes with a powerful rendition of the Gloria Gather penned anthem "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked." This moving lyric takes the listener on a journey through the life of Christ beautifully.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
GENE MCDONALD IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE BASS SINGERS AND THIS RECORD SHOWCASES HIS INCREDIBLE VOICE WELL. GREAT SONGS, VOCALS AND PRODUCTION QUALITY!
GO GET THIS CD ASAP!
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.genemcdonaldmusic.com