SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: A CAPPELLA HYMNS- THE BLACKWOOD BROTHERS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
A CAPPELLA HYMNS
THE BLACKWOOD BROTHERS QUARTET
LABEL: DAYWIND RECORDS
PRODUCER: BILLY BLACKWOOD
RELEASE DATE: JULY 13, 2018, AVAILABLE NOW!
GROUP MEMBERS: BILLY BLACKWOOD (BARITONE), WAYNE LITTLE (TENOR), BUTCH OWENS (BASS), AND JONATHAN MATTINGLY (LEAD)
SONG LIST:
I Sing the Mighty Power of God
To God Be the Glory
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Power In the Blood/Are You Washed In the Blood?
In the Garden
What a Friend We Have In Jesus
When We All Get to Heaven
He Hideth My Soul
It Is Well
In Christ Alone
Sweet Sweet Spirit
THOUGHTS:
For over 80 years, the Blackwood Brothers have been producing fresh, stellar Southern Gospel quartet music. The group’s smooth, classic harmonies are put on full display with A Cappella Hymns. This special project is the first to feature new lead singer Jonathan Mattingly, who joined following Mike Helwig’s departure due to his health issues. “The Mama Cash Home” served as the recording site for this compelling collection of hymns. Brian and Sally Oxley, who served as executive producers on the project, opened up (to the group) the home in which Johnny Cash recorded some of his last recordings. This location adds to the rich legacy represented on this album. Also of note, Billy Blackwood arranged all of the songs except “I Sing The Mighty Power Of God,” “He Hideth My Soul,” and “Sweet, Sweet Spirit.”
Each member shines on these classic songs. The smooth bass voice of Butch Owens is featured on the rousing “To God Be The Glory,” the tender “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” and fun “When We All Get To Heaven.” He also provides stellar bass rhythms on “Come Thou Fount,” and “Power In The Blood/ Are You Washed In The Blood?.” Wayne Little, who is an underrated tenor in my opinion, is featured on one of my favorites “Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing.” Billy Blackwood gives one of his best vocal performances on the tender “In The Garden.” Jonathan Mattingly takes the lead on the powerful modern anthem “In Christ Alone,” and the standard “It Is Well,” both of which showcase his smooth and powerful voice. Another highlight is the group’s rendition of the Doris Akers classic “Sweet, Sweet Spirit,” which stays true to the original arrangement. The quartet’s rich, heavenly harmonies fit this song perfectly.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
ANOTHER FANTASTIC ENTRY IN THE VAST DISCOGRAPHY OF THE BLACKWOOD BROTHERS! IT IS DIFFICULT TO PRODUCE A CD FEATURING HYMNS, ESPECIALLY A CAPPELLA, AND MAKE IT UNIQUE. I BELIEVE THE GROUP HAS SUCCEEDED IN THIS EFFORT. A CAPPELLA HYMNS SHOWCASES THE INCREDIBLE VOICES OF THE CURRENT LINEUP AS WELL AS THE TIMELESS STANDARDS THAT ARE THE FOUNDATION OF THIS MUSIC PERFECTLY. STANDOUTS FOR ME INCLUDE: BILLY BLACKWOOD ON “IN THE GARDEN,” WAYNE LITTLE ON “COME THOU FOUNT,” JONATHAN MATTINGLY ON “IN CHRIST ALONE,” AND BUTCH OWENS ON “WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS.”
OVERALL, THIS PROJECT IS A MUST BUY FOR FANS OF GREAT QUARTET SINGING AND CLASSIC HYMNS. ONE OF MY FAVORITES OF THE YEAR SO FAR!
5 OUT 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.blackwoodbrothers.com