Review of The Southern Gospel Players


SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC FORUM REVIEW
Written by Sandi Duncan Clark



This recording is a collection of twelve all-time favorite Southern Gospel songs and hymns with one of Stewart's unique ideas incorporated into it. Stewart Varnado uses thirty of the Southern Gospel industry's best vocalists and musicians and the finished product is a joy to listen to. All the performers do a wonderful job. Among the performers you hear are all three of the Isaac "kids" as well as John Bowman, "Rabbit" Easter, Channing Eleton, Adam Borden and Doug Riley, along with Randy and Scoot Shelnut, The three Crabb young men, Corey Pearson, Roger Fortner, Ricky Free, Mike Hopper, Andrew Ishee, David Johnson, Tim Lovelace, Randy Miller, Mike Riddle, Milton Smith, Tim Surrett, Jeff Tolbert along with Stewart on the music tracks. Dottie Rambo, Squire Parsons, Loren Harris, Gene McDonald and Josh Garner provide vocals on several of the songs. Dottie, Squire and Loren are the featured soloists on "I Go To The Rock," "Beulah Land" and "Call Me Gone," respectively.

"Don't Try This At Home," is a 'conglomerate' of music, played by Ricky Free on drums, Scoot Shelnut on Bass guitar and David Johnson playing the mandolin, banjo, fiddle acoustic guitar while Stewart plays piano. It's wild, and fast and almost five minutes of fun. This song kicks off the album, and it just gets better.

One of my favorites is "Call Me Gone" with Loren Harris sounding a lot like Kenny Hinson. Scott Shelnut, Josh Garner and Gene McDonald sing background vocals on this one while Aaron Crabb, David Johnson and Stewart provide the music.

Milton Smith did the orchestration on "Beulah Land." Squire is featured and Doug Riley, Randy Miller, Randy Shelnut and Scoot Shelnut join Stewart on the music. I enjoyed hearing Channing Eleton play organ on "We'll Understand It Better By And By" and you'll hear a unique arrangement on "Camping In Canaan."

All the music is good. Stewart gathered these performers and featured them in various combinations to showcase their talent for the listener's enjoyment. I think you'll find this recording one to especially enjoy. Visit Stewart's web site, www.stewartvarnado.com to purchase your copy.

Visit www.sgmusicforum.com for more reviews and information.