Dave's Review

Label: Cross & Crown Music
Producer: Eddie Crook
Website: www.thegabbards.org
Song Titles: "I Believe I'll Run On," "He's A Man Of His Word," "That Feeling," "I Know What You Are Talking About," "He's Still The Same," "There Is Hope," "Waiting For My Ship To Come In," "He's Alive," "Just A Little While," and "My God Will Always Come Through"

The Gabbards' 2003 release Shoutin' On! kicks off with an ear catching piano riff leading into the uptempo, black gospel influenced "I Believe I'll Run On" (compare to the Talley Trio's "Testify"). As this CD progresses, a more or less traditional Southern Gospel mixed quartet sound is established. Highlights include a remake of the Louvin Brothers tune "I Know What You Are Talking About," the traditional "Just A Little While," and Keith Gabbard's song "Waiting For My Ship To Come In." The black gospel influence returns for the final track ("My God Will Always Come Through"), this time with a slower tempo and an organ dominated accompaniment.

Production and packaging quality on this recording are very good. Some of the songwriting is a bit predictable, though not anything I'd rate as bad. I like the way the black gospel tunes bookend this recording, making them stand out more to the listener. Most of this recording is from the "lead vocalist with background singers" school of singing, but I'd like to see a little more emphasis on harmony in their mix. What I could hear of the harmony sounded very solid. There's no reason to hide it in the mix if the blend is really as good as it seems to be.

I look forward to hearing more from this group in the future.

4 Stars

--- by David Bruce Murray