SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: CLEAR SKIES- ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
CLEAR SKIES
ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND
LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS
PRODUCER: WAYNE HAUN
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 26, 2018
GROUP MEMBERS: ERNIE HAASE (TENOR), DEVIN MCGLAMERY (LEAD), DUSTIN DOYLE (BARITONE), PAUL HARKEY (BASS ),TYLER VESTAL (PIANO), AND DAVID GRIFFITH (BASS GUITAR)
SONG LIST:
Clear Skies
Heaven Is
Give Me Jesus
Sailing With Jesus
As For Me And My House
Give Them All To Jesus (featuring The Booth Brothers)
Long Line Of Love
Love Took His Breath Away
Three Men On A Mountain
You’ll Find Him There
My Hallelujah (featuring the Voices Of Lee)
Walking Through Fire
Longing For Home
BONUS SONGS:
My Hallelujah (Kris Krunk Kids Mix)
America Medley
THOUGHTS:
After a nearly three year gap since their last mainline recording, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is back with Clear Skies a recording that is sure to be a fan favorite. Haase is joined once again by Devin McGlamery, Dustin Doyle, and Paul Harkey whose voices have blended well together for the past few years.This album takes the listener on musical journey showcasing the quartet’s unique harmonies, style and signature energy. This album will encourage, uplift, and delight listeners with catchy tunes such as “Heaven Is,” “Clear Skies,” and “My Hallelujah.”
Dustin Doyle takes the lead on the title track which is a fun bouncy tune of encouragement. It simply says: Clear skies are coming after the rain. Christ is faithful and no matter what trial you face, He will bring you through it. Next, the catchy quartet style tune “Heaven Is,” showcases the group’s signature harmonies with Paul Harkey getting some great step out lines. Harmonies are front and center once again on the hundred year old Fanny Crosby hymn “Give Me Jesus.” Paul Harkey and Ernie Haase deliver stellar solos on this beautiful, formerly unfinished Fanny Crosby hymn. Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus. There is no greater friend than He. “Sailing With Jesus,” is easy listening tune that talks about the peace of Christ and a true relationship with Him. Dustin Doyle delivers one of his best performances, in my humble opinion, on this well written lyric. His smooth lead/baritone vocals have truly been an asset to this incredible quartet. Next, the quartet shines on the convention style “As For Me And My House,” which features the rich bass voice of Paul Harkey on the choruses.This is sure to be a hit at concerts. The Booth Brothers join them on the mid-tempo track “Give Them All To Jesus,’ which features both Devin McGlamery and Ronnie Booth. This great lyric says. Paul Harkey gives a brilliant performance on the country ballad “Long Line Of Love,” which says there is a long line of Love that flows from Calvary that reaches you and me. This is definitely one of my favorites tracks on this album. Ernie Haase shines on the the epic ballad “Love Took His Breath Away,” which is a beautiful, yet haunting take on the Crucifixion of Jesus. This Spanish infused track showcases the powerful tenor voice that continues to blow me away. In my opinion, this is one of the best songs the group has ever recorded. “As blood flowed down and stained the ground, He felt himself give way. It wasn’t the nails or the Cross you see. Love took His breath away.” Harkey once again takes the lead on the country style tune “Three Men On A Mountain,” which reminds listeners of Christ’s great sacrifice. Three men were dying that day, but only one man was dying for me. “You’ll Find Him There,” is fun quartet style track that once again features each member in fun step-out lines and tells the story of Elijah. “My Hallelujah,” is Gospel track through and through. This energetic anthem featuring Ernie Haase expresses the joy of the Lord using the story of Joshua and Jericho. The Voices of Lee back up the quartet on what is sure to be a massive hit at concerts. Devin McGlamery is featured on the tender ballad “Walking Through Fire,” which praises the Lord for He is always there for us. He is shout that raised the dead to life. He is the Provider. He is our Savior. He is the fourth man in the fire with you. This life has its share of trials, but Christ Jesus is faithful and will be with you when you are walking through fire. “Longing For Home,” is a sweet, mid-tempo country style tune that features Ernie Haase. This tender track is one of reflection on a life well lived, but remember that this life is not the end. The things of this world are fleeting, but Heaven is eternal.
Also available are two bonus songs: a remixed version of “My Hallelujah,” and a powerful patriotic medley featuring “God Bless America,” and “My Country Tis Of Thee.”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
EHSS IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!! THIS RECORD HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. A GREAT MIX OF PROGRESSIVE AND TRADITIONAL SONGS ALL WITH THE SIGNATURE SOUND STYLE WE HAVE COME TO EXPECT AND LOVE. GREAT PRODUCTION QUALITY AND TOP NOTCH VOCALS FROM EACH MEMBER. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: PAUL HARKEY ON “LONG LINE OF LOVE,” ERNIE HAASE ON “LOVE TOOK HIS BREATH AWAY,” DUSTIN DOYLE ON “SAILING WITH JESUS,” AND DEVIN MCGLAMERY ON “WALKING THROUGH FIRE.” OVERALL, ONE OF THEIR BEST RECORDINGS OF RECENT YEARS. THIS IS MUST BUY!!
5 OUT 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.erniehaase.com and www.stowtownrecords.com
*** REVIEW COPY PROVIDED BY STOWTOWN RECORDS***