SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEWS: CATCH-UP SPECIAL
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEWS:
CATCH-UP SPECIAL:
RADIO DAYS
THE CHUCK WAGON GANG
LABEL: MOUNTAIN HOME MUSIC
PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS AND DAVID JOHNSON
RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 13, 2021
GROUP MEMBERS: MELISSA KEMPER (SOPRANO), JOSH GARNER (TENOR), SHAYE SMITH (ALTO), DARRELL MORRIS (BASS, ACOUSTIC GUITAR), AND SCOTTY OWENBY (UPRIGHT BASS, MANDOLIN)
***JOSH GARNER AND DARRELL MORRIS ARE PICTURED ON THE ALBUM, BUT ARE NOT FEATURED VOCALLY.******
SONG LIST:
Two Gardens (Tammi Pockstaller)
The Record Book (Larry Whitehead)
WBAP Announcer
Bewley Mills Jingle
Holy Be Thy Great Name (J.R. J.B. Coats)
Stormy Waters (Henry J. Donohue)
Somebody Called My Name (J.W. Payte)
Bewley Mills Flour Commercial
WBAP Announcer Chuck Wagon Gang’s Next Song
Take Me Back To Col-Ler-Rad-Da fer to Stay (Moran Moore)
I Want To Be A Real Cowboy Girl (Prentice Forrester)
Bewley Mills Flour Commercial #2
WBAP Announcer-Next Song
All God’s Children Gonna Rise And Shine (Eugene Wright)
Love Is The Key (Virgil O. Stamps)
I’ve Changed My Mind (J.B. Coates)
WBAP Announcer Dinner Bell Chime
Dad Carter’s Thought For The Day
Bewley Mills Jingle
When the Sun Sets Over Jordan (James B. Singleton)
I’ve Just Seen The Rock Of Ages (John B. Preston)
THOUGHTS:
For eighty-five years, the legendary Chuck Wagon Gang have been a mainstay in Country and Gospel music. This rich history is on full display on their latest album entitled Radio Days. This exciting new project features the quartet’s classic harmonies on classics such as “Stormy Waters,” “Holy Be Thy Great Name,” “Love Is The Key,” and “Somebody Called My Name.” The quartet also shines on a few new songs including the thought provoking “Two Gardens,” and the bouncy “The Record Book.” They also included two Country Western tunes which harken back to when they would mix genres in their shows. This project is also unique in that it is presented as a radio program complete with commercials and jingles.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THE CHUCK WAGON GANG’S RICH HARMONIES AND CLASSIC STYLE ARE ON FULL DISPLAY HERE ON RADIO DAYS. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “STORMY WATERS,” “I’VE JUST SEEN THE ROCK OF AGES,” “THE RECORD BOOK,” “ALL GOD’S CHILDREN GONNA RISE AND SHINE,” AND “I’VE CHANGED MY MIND.”
3.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.thechuckwagongang.net
A REASON FOR HOPE
KENNA TURNER WEST
LABEL: SONLITE RECORDS
PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS
RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 27, 2021
SONG LIST:
Our God Is Good (Kenna Turner West, Jason Cox, Rob Mills)
Doubt The Storm (Kenna Turner West, Lee Black)
I’m Not Who I Was (Kenna Turner West, Nathan Woodard, Marcia Henry)
Calling All Prodigals (Kenna Turner West, Brent Baxter, Jason Cox)
We March On (Kenna Turner West, Don Poythress, Linda Scott, Lang Scott)
The Center Of It All (Kenna Turner West, Lee Black)
There Is No Condemnation (Kenna Turner West, Sue C. Smith, Don Poythress, Aubrey Anderson)
A Reason For Hope (Kenna Turner West, Jason Cox)
This Is My Story (Kenna Turner West, Michael Farren)
Pray On (Kenna Turner West, Belinda Smith, Tony Wood)
THOUGHTS:
Kenna Turner West can add stellar vocalist to her already impressive résumé. West, the daughter of legendary bass singer Ken Turner, is an award winning and prolific songwriter. Having written many hits over the past twenty years for Southern Gospel’s best, West delivers her first solo project A Reason For Hope. This incredible album features ten inspirational songs co-written by West. The country styled “Our God Is Good” praises Christ and celebrates His Goodness. The powerful anthem “The Center Of It All” reminds us that in Jesus; we are one. There is a place at His table for all. He is the center of it all. “There Is No Condemnation” is a beautiful ballad that reminds us that in Christ, we find forgiveness and freedom. This broken world needs Jesus now more than ever. The title track, featuring guest vocals from Joseph Habedank, reminds us that God has it under control. There is always a reason for hope. West’s vocals impress and stand toe-to-toe with the vocalists who have sung her songs.
4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS! FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.kennaturnerwest.com
SOME DISTANT MOUNTAIN
MARK BISHOP
LABEL: SONLITE RECORDS
PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS, MARK FRAIN, MARK BISHOP
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 24, 2021
SONG LIST:
Like A Songbird That Has Fallen (Bobby Neuwirth, J. Henry Burnett)
Across The River (Mark Bishop)
Prophet Admiration (David Marshall)
All My Tears Will Be Washed Away (Julie Miller)
Hardly The Lord (Mark Bishop, Joshua Rison)
Were You There (William Barton)
Shall We Gather At The River (Robert Lowry)
One Wide River To Cross (Traditional)
The Most Ordinary Days (Mark Bishop)
Gospel Plow (Traditional)
Early My God Without Delay (Isaacs Watts)
THOUGHTS:
Mark Bishop is back with a classic, mountain style, front porch Gospel inspired album entitled Some Distant Mountain. This stellar project features eleven songs both beloved standards and new soon to be classics. Bishop’s signature vocals shine on the Celtic style “Across The River” featuring Endless Highway’s Ally Griggs, who also joins him on the opening gospel styled “Like A Songbird That Has Fallen.” Sonya Isaacs Yeary joins him on the bluegrass styled “All My Tears Be Washed Away,” which reminds us that this life is not the end. We will be going Home someday soon. Bishop also covers some great spirituals including the a cappella Easter classic “Were You There” and “Early My God Without Delay.”
This album is simply stellar in all aspects. Great songs, stellar vocals, and top notch musicianship.Mark Bishop has yet again delivered a powerful and special project.
5 OUT OF 5 STARS!. FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.markbishopmusic.com
ANTHEM OF THE AGES
11TH HOUR
LABEL: SONLITE RECORDS
PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 29, 2021
GROUP MEMBERS: AMBER EPINETTE SAUNDERS (SOPRANO), VICTORIA BOWLIN (ALTO), LOGAN SMITH (TENOR), AND JAQUITA LINDSEY (ALTO/HARMONIES)
SONG LIST:
1. Anthem Of The Ages (Jim Brady, Barry Weeks, Tony Wood)
2. Whosoever Will May Come (Jason Cox, Amber Eppinette Saunders, Kenna Turner West)
3. I Know It’s Mine (Jason Cox, Amber Eppinette Saunders, Kenna Turner West)
4. Fear Get Out Of Here (Victoria Bowlin)
5. Letters To Heaven (Amber Eppinette Saunders, Garrett Saunders, Nathan Woodard)
6. He Still Does (Hunter Leath, Amber Eppinette Saunders, Nathan Woodard)
7. Bring That Giant Down (Amber Eppinette Saunders, Kenna Turner West)
8. Only Jesus Saves (Jaquita Lindsey, Amber Eppinette Saunders, Nathan Woodard)
9. Awake (Victoria Bowlin)
10. A Lot Of Life Out There (Aubrey Anderson, Don Poythress, Amber Eppinette Saunders, Kenna Turner West)
11. I Just Came To Talk With You Lord (Dottie Rambo)
THOUGHTS:
11th Hour is back with a powerful and inspirational project entitled Anthem Of The Ages. This album is the last to feature tenor/lead Logan Smith as he departed the group before the release. In addition, former alto Jaquita Lindsey also resigned prior to its release. While Smith’s vocals are prominently featured, Lindsey’s harmonies can be heard on some songs. This album also marks the debut of the group’s new alto Victoria Bowlin. Bowlin brings a powerful voice and songwriting talents to this incredible trio.
Anthem Of The Ages features ten exciting new songs and a cover of Dottie Rambo’s “I Just Came To Talk With You Lord.” Amber Epinette Saunders shines on the energetic title track which tells of the powerful melody that spreads truth throughout the ages. Former member Logan Smith takes the lead on the country styled “Whosoever Will May Come.” Everyone is welcome at God’s table. No matter who you are or what you’ve done, God has His arms open wide for you. Saunders delivers another powerful vocal on the mid-tempo track “I Know It’s Mine,” which reminds us that the battle is already won in Christ. Victoria Bowlin takes the lead on the powerful anthem “Fear Get Out Of Here,” which encourages listeners to stand firm in Christ. In this dark time, we must remain vigilant and stay strong in our faith. The poignant “Letters To Heaven,” featuring Saunders, is sure to connect with listeners who have loved ones in Heaven. “He Still Does,” also featuring Saunders, simply says: God is still on His throne. He still saves. He is in control. He has never changed. “Bring That Giant Down,” a fun, country styled tune, encourages us that with God on our side, we can get through any trial. Logan Smith is featured again on the moving “Only Jesus Saves,” which encourages listeners to share the light of Christ to all. Only Jesus can save this broken world. Victoria Bowlin delivers a powerful vocal on the moving ballad “Awake,” which tells of the power of Christ. This incredible album closes with the driving rhythm of “A Lot Of Life Out There,” and the tender “I Just Came To Talk With You Lord.”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
11TH HOUR HAS DONE IT AGAIN! GREAT SONGS, POWERFUL VOCALS, TOP NOTCH MUSICIANSHIP. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “HE STILL DOES,” “BRING THAT GIANT DOWN,” “FEAR GET OUT OF HERE,” AND “WHOSOEVER WILL MAY COME.”
5 OUT OF 5 STARS! FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.11thhourgg.com