SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: INSTRUMENT OF PEACE- THE SHARPS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
INSTRUMENT OF PEACE
THE SHARPS
GROUP MEMBERS: ANDY SHARP (TENOR/OWNER), BEN SHARP (BARITONE/OWNER), MIKE LEATH (LEAD), TONY LEWIS (BASS)
RELEASE DATE: 2017
SONG LIST:
The Joy He's Given Me
Love Is Gonna Win
The Hand Of God
He Never Said A Word
Standing In The Storm
Master Of The Wind
While I'm Here
Welcome Home
Almost There
Remember Me
THOUGHTS:
Hailing from Fort Payne, Alabama, The Sharps having been spreading the Gospel in song for over 33 years. The current lineup however, has only been together for three years. Andy Sharp co-owns the group with his son Ben. They sing the tenor and baritone parts respectively and are joined by lead Mike Leath and bass singer Tony Lewis. This CD showcases the unique sound of this quartet well and features ten great songs of faith and hope.
The project opens with the driving groove "The Joy He's Given Me," which praises Christ for the joy in our lives and setting us free. Mike Leath turns in a solid vocal on this fun opener. "Love Is Gonna Win," is a tender, country style track that simply says that: what keeps me going, no matter how bad it seems, is knowing that Love is gonna win. Ben Sharp and Mike Leath shibe on this incredible track. Tony Lewis and Mike Leath are featured on the mid-tempo track "Hand Of God," which asks for the Lord's hand over us. He is mighty to save! Lewis is featured again on the tender ballad "He Never Said A Word," which says that though we don't deserve it, God gives us grace and mercy. Ben Sharp takes the lead on the mid-tempo track and current single "Standing In The Storm." This simple song says that our hope is in Him and even in the midst of trials and storms, we can rest easy knowing that He is with us! "Master of The Wind," reminds us that Christ is faithful and can bring you through your hardships. He is the Master of the Wind. He is the Maker of the Rain! Lewis and Andy Sharp shine on "While I'm Here," which asks the Lord to make our lives instruments of peace. While we're here, time flys by so we must live for Him. Andy Sharp's distinctive tenor shines on the country style tune "Welcome Home," which talks about entering Heaven. "Almost Home," features Ben Sharp and looks to Heaven saying: we are almost there. This great CD closes with the up-tempo quartet tune "Remember Me," which showcases the ensemble's harmony as well as Tony Lewis's bass.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Overall, this is a well crafted CD with great songs, vocals, and production quality. This was my first time listening to this group and I must say that I'm impressed. The Sharps have a unique style and sound that is showcased on the CD perfectly. Instrument of Peace is a CD that people should check out! Particular standouts for me include: "Standing In The Storm," "Remember Me," "Love Is Gonna Win," and "The Joy He's Given Me." I'm looking forward to their next project!
4 out of 5 stars!!
For more information: www.thesharpsquartet.com