SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: THE ONE IN THE WATER- THE INSPIRATIONS

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:

CD REVIEW:

THE ONE IN THE WATER

THE INSPIRATIONS

RELEASE DATE: JULY 14, 2017

LABEL: HORIZON RECORDS

PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS

MEMBERS: ARCHIE WATKINS (TENOR), MATT DIBLER (LEAD), EDDIE DIETZ (BARITONE), MARLIN SHUBERT (BASS), ROLAND KESTERSON (VOCALS, BASS GUITAR), CASEY JOHNSON (RHYTHM GUITAR, VOCALS), LUKE VAUGHT (PIANIST)

SONG LIST:

1. The One In The Water- (Kyla Rowland)- ft. Archie Watkins

2. I Want To Be Like My Lord- (Jimmy Jones)- ft. Marlin Shubert

3. I Know Him- (Gary Epperson)- ft. Eddie Dietz

4. When Jesus Turns My Prison Into My Shouting Ground- (Leonard Fletcher)- ft. Roland Kesterson

5. I Shall Not Be Moved- (Public Domain, arr. Inspirations)- ft. Marlin Shubert

6. Teaching Me To Fly- (Karen A. Dyess)- ft. Archie Watkins

7. I Am So Blessed- (Matthew Browder, Tommy Browder)- ft. Matt Dibler

8. We Are Christians- (Tracy L. Jones)- ft. Archie Watkins

9. Thank God For Preachers- (Larry Whitehead)- ft. Eddie Dietz

10. Jesus They’re Offended At Your Name- (James M. Jones)- ft. Matt Dibler, Archie Watkins

THOUGHTS:

For the past 50 plus years, the Inspirations have been a hallmark name in Southern Gospel Music. This quartet has been synonymous with classic quartet style and this recording does not stray at all from this. The One In The Water marks the return of three former members including: tenor Archie Watkins, baritone Eddie Dietz, and bass singer Marlin Shubert. They are joined by Matt Dibler (Lead), Roland Kesterson (Vocals, Bass Guitar), Casey Johnson, (Guitar), and Luke Vaught (Pianist). Vaught replaces Martin Cook who retired last year while Watkins, Dietz and Shubert take over for Johnson, Melton Campbell, and Joe Brown respectively. This talented lineup delivers yet another classic recording that is sure to be hit with audiences.

This album opens with the instantly recognizable voice of Archie Watkins on the up-tempo title track. “The One In The Water” is a perfect example of an old- time Southern Gospel song complete with passionate quartet vocals and classic style piano. Marlin Shubert is featured on the quartet standard “I Want To Be Like My Lord.” Shubert’s impressive bass voice shines on this fun song. “I Know Him,” features the tender vocals of baritone Eddie Dietz. This tender mid-tempo ballad beautifully describes a relationship with Christ. He is always there. He is the burden bearer and hears your prayers. Roland Kesterson takes the lead on the up-tempo “When Jesus Turns My Prison Into My Shouting Ground,” which celebrates God’s promises. Marlin Shubert’s smooth bass is featured once again on the Doo Wop style “I Shall Not Be Moved.” This is definitely one of my favorite songs on this record. At age 68, Shubert’s voice sounds incredible in my opinion. “Teaching Me To Fly,” is great story song that tells of how God watching us mature. Matt Dibler takes the lead on the mid-tempo ballad “I Am So Blessed,” which simply praises the Lord for His blessings. How could I complain? God has been true through it all! He gave me life when I deserved death. Amen! “We Are Christians” proclaims our faith saying we are not ashamed of our beliefs!! Archie Watkin’s delivers the lyric with his beloved signature tenor twang. “Thank God For Preachers,” featuring Eddie Dietz, is a simple song of thankfulness. Matt Dibler and Archie Watkins share the lead on the closing track “Jesus, They’re Offended At Your Name.” This song simply says: I will worship Christ no matter what the world says. People are offended by the name of Jesus, but I am not ashamed!

FINAL THOUGHTS:

THIS ALBUM IS ANOTHER GREAT ENTRY INTO THIS LEGENDARY GROUP’S DISCOGRAPHY. THE RETURNING VOCALISTS SOUND BETTER THAN EVER AND FIT RIGHT BACK IN. I HADN’T HEARD MARLIN SHUBERT BEFORE, SO HIS FEATURES ON THIS RECORD WERE PARTICULARLY IMPRESSIVE. OVERALL, THIS CD IS ON PAR WITH LAST YEAR’S RELEASE AND STAYS TRUE TO THE CLASSIC MOUNTAIN GOSPEL STYLE THAT THE GROUP IS KNOWN FOR. GREAT SONGS, GREAT VOCALS, GREAT MESSAGE!

4 OUT OF 5 STARS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.theinspirations.com