SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: BACK TO THE BEGINNING- THE DIPLOMATS QUARTET

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:

CD REVIEW:

BACK TO THE BEGINNING

THE DIPLOMATS

RELEASE DATE: AVAILABLE NOW VIA www.diplomatsqt.com

SONG LIST:

1. That Very Moment He Saved My Soul

2. He Changed My Life

3. Hide Thou Me

4. Keep The Fire Burning

5. When They Ring Those Golden Bells

6. Where The Soul Never Dies

7. I Got Saved

8. I Lean On You Lord

9. Turn Your Back

10. Meet Me Over On The Other Side

GROUP MEMBERS: COREY PEARSON (LEAD, PIANO), JIMMY PEARSON (BARITONE), HAROLD REED (TENOR), AND BILL LAWRENCE (BASS)

THOUGHTS:

Formed in the early 70’s, The Diplomats have been blessed with an incredible career spreading the Gospel all over the world. Led by Jimmy Pearson, this fantastic quartet is back with another recording that is sure to delight listeners. Following the retirement of Rita Pearson, the group has reverted to an male quartet featuring: Jimmy Pearson, Corey Pearson, Harold Reed, and newest member Bill Lawrence. Lawrence is no stranger to Southern Gospel as he previously sang bass with Gold City and Brian Free & Assurance.

This exciting album opens with a fun, uptempo quartet song “That Very Moment He Saved My Soul,” featuring lead singer Corey Pearson. Pearson takes the lead again on the mid-tempo track “He Changed My Life,” which encourages listeners to give their lives to Christ for He is the Redeemer. Longtime tenor Harold Reed shines on the classic “Hide Thou Me,” which is arranged in the typical way. “Keep The Fire Burning,” is a fun, uptempo quartet style tune that encourages listeners to keep the fire for Christ burning. Be a light to the world. Bill Lawrence’s smooth bass is showcased on the classic “When They Ring Those Golden Bells.” This arrangement is practically identical to the one performed by fellow bass Gene McDonald. It is great to hear Lawrence’s incredible bass once again. Next, the quartet takes on the classic “Where The Soul Never Dies,” which features the group’s stellar harmonies. “I Got Saved,” is a beautiful ballad featuring Corey and tells of a sinner’s redemption. The song powerfully proclaims: “I’ve got Jesus. How could I want more.” “I Lean On You Lord,” is a fun, mid-tempo tune featuring Harold Reed that simply says: “I’ll lean on you Lord for the things that I need.” Lawrence is featured once again on another bass singer classic “Turn Your Back,” which simply says: Christ is the only one who can turn your life around. He is the source of life and everlasting Love. This excellent album closes with a rousing rendition of “Meet Me Over On The Other Side,” which reminds listeners to trust in Christ and not fear the waves and storms of life for He is with you.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

THE DIPLOMATS DELIVER YET ANOTHER HIGHLY ENJOYABLE ALBUM FEATURING FANTASTIC QUARTET SONGS. THIS “NEW” QUARTET BLENDS PERFECTLY TOGETHER. IT IS GREAT TO SEE BILL LAWRENCE BACK IN A QUARTET AGAIN. HE IS TRULY INCREDIBLE BASS. THIS ALBUM FEATURES FANTASTIC SONGS STELLAR VOCALS, AND TOP NOTCH PRODUCTION QUALITY. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “TURN YOUR BACK,” “KEEP THE FIRE BURNING,” “WHERE THE SOUL NEVER DIES,” AND “WHEN THEY RING THOSE GOLDEN BELLS.” OVERALL, ONE OF MY FAVORITE ALBUMS OF THE YEAR.

4 OUT OF 5 STARS!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.diplomatsqt.com