SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: ASCENDING- THE LEFEVRE QUARTET
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
ASCENDING
LEFEVRE QUARTET
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS/ NEW DAY
PRODUCER: WAYNE HAUN
RELEASE DATE: APRIL 27, 2018
GROUP MEMBERS: MIKE LEFEVRE (BARITONE), JORDAN LEFEVRE (LEAD), JEREMY PEACE (TENOR), KEITH PLOTT (BASS), AND MICHAEL LOTT (PIANIST)
SONG LIST:
I Have It All
Revival
A Rugged Old Cross
I’ll See You At The House
Sailing Away
Sun’s Gonna Come Up
Only Jesus
Silver And Gold
THOUGHTS:
The Award winning LeFevre Quartet is back with another high energy, message filled recording entitled Ascending. This exciting eight song CD is the first mainline project to feature new bass Keith Plott. Plott is no stranger to Southern Gospel fans as he previously traveled with Brian Free & Assurance among other groups. Though shorter than typical albums, it does not lack in quality and is sure to delight listeners.
The record kicks off with the fun, up-tempo, “I Have It All,” which says that God has granted us peace in the midst of whatever storm may come our way. He is always with us through this crazy life! New bass singer Keith Plott shines on a few step-out lines on this fun opener.Jordan LeFevre takes the lead on the cover of Third Day’s “Revival,” which transforms the song into a true Southern Gospel song with fantastic four part harmony and driving rhythm. “A Rugged Old Cross,” is a beautiful ballad penned by Gerald Crabb and Diane Wilkinson that tells of Christ’s sacrifice. Jordan LeFevre gives an stellar performance on this track that reminds us of God’s ultimate gift. Mike LeFevre delivers an incredibly touching performance on “I’ll See You At The House.” This powerful ballad talks about loss and how if we believe in Christ, it is not a goodbye, but rather a see you later. “Sailing Away,” is a fun, up-tempo quartet style track very much in the vein of “Moving Up To Gloryland.” Jeremy Peace’s soaring tenor is featured on this Heaven focused song. The first single from this project is the catchy mid-tempo track “Sun’s Gonna Come Up,” written by Lee Black and Scotty Inman. Mike LeFevre is featured on this song of encouragement. Even on your darkest days, don’t ever give up! The Lord is always with you! The Joy of the Lord is gonna rise with the dawn! Jeremy Peace is featured again on the powerful ballad “Only Jesus,” which proclaims: Only Jesus can save us from sin! He is my Healer, Redeemer, and Savior! Peace’s stellar tenor vocals fit this song perfectly for another great feature. Keith Plott takes the lead on the groovy “Silver And Gold,” which simply says: “What you receive when you believe is worth much more than silver or gold!” Plott is an incredible bass vocalist and I for one am glad that he has returned to full time Southern Gospel singing.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
ASCENDING IS A GREAT ADDITION TO THE DISCOGRAPHY OF THIS FANTASTIC QUARTET. THE ADDITION OF KEITH PLOTT TO THE GROUP IS BRILLIANT! PLOTT FITS RIGHT IN AND BLENDS PERFECTLY. EACH MEMBER SHINES ON THIS RECORDING WITH THE STANDOUTS BEING: “I’LL SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE,” “SUN’S GONNA COME UP,” “SILVER AND GOLD,” AND “A RUGGED OLD CROSS.” MY ONLY CRITICISM OF THE CD IS THAT IS SHORTER THAN THE TYPICAL PROJECT. REGARDLESS, THE QUALITY OF THIS ALBUM IS TOP NOTCH. THERE ISN’T A WEAK SONG OR PERFORMANCE ON THIS RECORD.
4.5 OUT 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.thelefevrequartet.com