Review of The Southern Gospel Players

SOUTHERN GOSPEL NEWS REVIEW


Produced by: Stewart Varnado
Crossroads Music

Southern Gospel Music has some of the most talented musicians in the world, and Dixie Echoes pianist, Stewart Varnado has brought over 30 of them together on one monumental recording. I have to say, this recording is just totally cool. From beginning to end, it is highly enjoyable and simply put, just plain fun listen to.

From the entertaining, upbeat tunes like “DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME” (this is the neatest thing on here), “WE'LL UNDERSTAND IT BETTER BY AND BY”, “CAMPING IN CANAANLAND”, “ARE YOU WASHED IN THE BLOOD?” and “WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN?” to the rollicking bluegrass sounds of “I'VE GOT THAT OLD TIME RELIGION IN MY HEART” and the soulful sounds of “I GO TO THE ROCK” (featuring Dottie Rambo on the first verse and chorus), “OH HAPPY DAY” and “JOY UNSPEAKABLE”, you can't help but become absorbed by the music.

This recording features a lot of uptempo tunes, but it doesn't lack the quality slower ones as well. The medium country sounds of “CALL ME GONE”, which feature an excellent vocal performance by Loren Harris on the first verse with Scoot Shelnut, Josh Garner and Gene McDonald joining in on the chorus, is a true highlight of the recording, as are the slower, more moving tunes like “TOO MUCH TO GAIN TO LOSE” and “BEULAH LAND” (which feature Squire Parsons on the second verse and chorus).

This recording is a must have in any Southern Gospel collection. This isn't the average instrumental recording and is one you will find yourself listening to over and over again. And for the inevitable question…Stewart, when is Volume 2 coming out?

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