by David Murray
Gold City continues a tradition of quality and class with What A Great Lifestyle. As with their last release, Preparing The Way, they've presented a variety of styles and orchestrations. One dissappointment with Preparing The Way was the lack of any real gut wrenching bass from Tim Riley. What A Great Lifestyle grants this wish in short order on the first cut, "God's Building A Church." (Yea, verily, Mr. Riley shall rattle windows!)
The title cut explores some jazz flavors. It includes a walking acoustic bass guitar that sets a carefree pace and leads into "Alone In The Garden," which is in the same key and tempo. "Alone In The Garden" was written by Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Sisk and included in a Stamps Baxter songbook several years ago. Gold City presents it here in a nostalgic convention style with a piano turn-around leading into the second verse. Other light hearted, "feel good" cuts on What A Great Lifestyle include "A Good Ole Gospel Song" (with instrumental quotes of several popular gospel tunes for alert listeners to spot) and "A Little Down Payment" featuring tenor Jay Parrack. Thunder and rain sound effects punctuate the moving "Between Me And The Storm," a song dedicated to Barbara Riley (wife of bass Tim Riley and mother of writer/musician Doug Riley). The liner notes state, "This song has been an inspiration to her through her trial with cancer, and we hope that it will be an inspiration to others as they too, face life's many trials and hardships." Mark Trammell renders the lyrics with the same inspiring vigor he's demonstrated on previous hits like "Show Me The Cross."
Only six writers were used on this project. Three tunes were composed by Squire Parsons, two each by Kyla Rowland, Sandy Knight, and Doug Riley, and one tune by the afore mentioned Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Sisk. Inspiring and uplifting, the songs on What A Great Lifestyle are solid and the arrangements showcase four extremely talented vocalists. Great material combined with great talent and production is always a great combination. Gold City continues to set the standard for male quartets.
