Dave's Review

Producer: Otis Forrest
Label: Homeland Entertainment Group

Collectively know as Won By One, members Clayton Inman, David Jenkins, Bob Caldwell, and new tenor Nic Holland have released their debut recording for the Homeland label. Days Are Getting Brighter features 10 complete tunes, plus a nice á cappella snippet that introduces the collection.

Generally speaking, Won By One is most successful when they blend with each other. They don't do a lot of individual solos and tend to refrain from excessive "showing off" on sections where one voice is exposed.

Jenkins co-wrote eight of the songs. "We've Got Our Ways" is an uplifting anthem about praising Jesus and celebrating life."My Days Are Getting Brighter" describes what happens when a person finds the saving grace of God. "Jesus Is The Reason" is a snappy arrangement that blends big band swing elements with traditional quartet harmony.

In addition to the tunes written by Jenkins, Won By One covers Rusty Goodman's classic "I Believe He's Coming Back" as well as a public domain number titled "Ride In The Chariot." The latter gives us a chance to hear Caldwell's blending bass voice.

Days Are Getting Brighter shows that Nic Holland has found his niche in Southern Gospel. (Holland "subbed" temporarily for a couple of big groups before being hired full time by Won By One.) His contributions are well suited to Won By One's style. This project does have one or two areas that could benefitted from a little more fine tuning, but overall, most quartet fans will be pleased with Days Are Getting Brighter.

by David Bruce Murray