SPOTLIGHT CD REIVEW: THANKFUL- TRIUMPHANT QUARTET
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
THANKFUL
TRIUMPHANT QUARTET
LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: APRIL 21, 2017
PRODUCER: WAYNE HAUN
MEMBERS: DAVID SUTTON (TENOR), CLAYTON INMAN (LEAD), SCOTT INMAN (BARITONE), ERIC BENNETT (BASS), AND AARON DISHMAN (PIANO)
SONG LIST:
We Welcome Your Holy Spirit (Mark Condon)
Chain Breaker (Jonathan Smith, Mia Fieldes, Zach Williams)
God Will Always Be God (Scott Inman, Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey)
The Cross Is All The Proof I Need (Scott Inman, Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey)
One Happy Man (Marcia Henry, Lee Black)
Thankful, So Thankful (Scott Inman, Lee Black)
I Know Him (Kirk Talley)
Never Assume (Scott Inman, Lee Black)
Grace And Mercy (Franklin D. Williams)
Bottom Of The Barrel (Scott Inman, Joel Lindsey)
My God Called Me This Morning (Traditional)
THOUGHTS:
Triumphant is one of the most consistent quartets in the genre with this being their 15th year with the same vocalists. This fantastic lineup is back with their third album on StowTown records teaming once again with producer Wayne Haun. Scotty Inman’s songwriting is featured on this project with the younger Inman co-writing five out of the eleven tracks. This record contains some great songs and vocals which listeners have come to expect from this powerhouse group.
Thankful opens with a simple yet moving worship style song entitled “We Welcome Your Holy Spirit,” which invites the Spirit into our hearts and lives. Fill us with your love and live inside of us, Lord! Next, the quartet covers the popular Zach Williams song “Chain Breaker.” This mid-tempo track features Scotty Inman and simply says there is a better life in Christ!! “If you’ve got pain, He is a pain taker. If you feel lost, He’s a way maker. If you need freedom, saving, He’s a prison shaking Savior. If you’ve got chains, He’s a chain breaker!” Amen! Scotty is also featured on the next track: a tender mid-tempo ballad “God Will Always Be God.” This beautiful song simply says Christ is faithful always. We may falter, but God never will. He is with us through every trial! Next, Clayton Inman and David Sutton take the lead on the powerful ballad “The Cross Is All The Proof I Need,” which proclaims the Love of Christ. No greater act of Love has ever been shown! Christ loves me and The Cross is all the proof I need. “One Happy Man,” is a perfect song for the smooth melodic bass tones of Eric Bennett. This tender hearted ballad tells the story of a funeral of a believer and the joy of meeting Jesus in Heaven. No more tears, no more pain. He is now one happy man. “Thankful, Thankful,” picks up the pace with a fun bluegrass style to it. This song of gratitude once again features Scotty Inman. I for one am thankful for the goodness of God and the love He showed on the Cross. Tenor David Sutton takes the lead on the Kirk Talley ballad “I Know Him,” which simply says I know Jesus, but best of all, He knows me. Sutton’s vocal performance on this song is incredible. “Never Assume,” is fun, mid-tempo track featuring Clayton Inman and encourages listeners to shine the love and light of Christ to all you meet. We must be examples of Christ to the world. Share His Word to everyone you meet!! “Grace And Mercy,” is an organ infused track that once again features Clayton and simply says the grace and mercy of the Lord will bring you though your hardship. Eric Bennett is featured again on the bombastic “Bottom Of The Barrel,” which reminds us that no matter our circumstance, Christ can pick us up. There is no limit to His care. He can go to the bottom of the barrel. Turn to Jesus always! This track is a major highlight of this CD! The quartet closes the album with a faithful cover of the Fairfield Four’s “My God Called Me This Morning.” This a cappella groove is my favorite of the entire recording. Pianist Aaron Dishman has a few step out lines along with Scotty, Clayton, and Eric.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Triumphant continues to put forth quality recordings and due to their stable lineup a tight blend has developed over their fifteen year career. MAJOR STANDOUTS INCLUDE: DAVID SUTTON ON “I KNOW HIM,” SCOTTY INMAN ON “CHAIN BREAKER,” ERIC BENNETT ON “ONE HAPPY MAN,” AND “BOTTOM OF THE BARREL,” AND “MY GOD CALLED ME THIS MORNING.” THE PACE OF THIS ALBUM IS SLOWER, AND WHILE I WOULD’VE LIKED A FEW MORE UP-TEMPO SONGS, OVERALL THIS CD IS STILL HIGHLY ENJOYABLE.
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT www.triumphantquartet.com