Dave's Review

Label: Daywind
Producer: Wayne Haun
Length: 36:12

The initial All Star Quartets project was such a success, the folks at Daywind felt a sequel was in order. As with the original release, new, temporary quartets were created by taking men that don't normally sing together and putting them in the studio. The result is ten different quartets that have never been heard before.

One of my complaints about the original All Star Quartets was that it was difficult to pick out the individual vocalists by ear. That's not a problem on All Star Quartets: Hymns. There's less "stacking" of vocals on this release, allowing each voice to cut through the mix in their own unique style. All Star Quartets: Hymns isn't perfect, though. Most of the vocal arrangements sound as if the singers are holding back . . . or if not holding back . . . just not getting as creative with vocal theatrics as you might expect.

OK, on to the good stuff . . .

As the project title indicates, the focus this time out is on classic hymns. You'll hear Gerald Wolfe tackle "He Hideth My Soul," assisted by Ernie Haase, Curt Davis, and Christian Davis. Depp Britt, Rick Hoskins, Tim Mills, and Jeff Pearles combine for "Precious Memories." The top half of Gold City joins Jeff Stanley and Bill Lawrence for "Power In The Blood," with Wilburn and Parrack getting wound up by the end of the tune in their signature style. There's no holding back on "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" with Bill Shivers, Scott Mills, Craig Singletary, and Dan Clark handling vocals. Other song titles include "I Surrender All," "Whispering Hope," "Holy Manna (Brethren, We Have Met To Worship)," "In The Sweet By And By"Amazing Grace," "In The Garden."

Wayne Haun gives his usual excellent effort at production. His music tracks aren't always predictable, which makes the listening experience more interesting. Most of these tunes are slow to mid-tempo, yet the production keeps your attention.

One of the favorite pastimes of Southern Gospel quartet fans is playing the "Dream Quartet" game. It's encouraging to see Daywind doing the same thing for real. This is just a taste, though. There's still many other combinations I'd love to see, and I hope Daywind keeps 'em coming.

by David Bruce Murray