Dave's Review

Website: www.jeffandsherieaster.com
Producer: Michael Sykes
Song Titles: "Happy Hour," "No Matter How Far," "My Country," "Forever And A Day," "Light At The River," "Melody," "The Missing Peace," "That Same Tear," "Open Your Eyes," and "Higher And Higher"

Jeff and Sheri Easter continue to set the standard for Christian Country artists with their latest release Forever And A Day. With ten tunes, Jeff and Sheri more or less split the lead vocal parts equally, alternating on each song.

Jeff gets the ball rolling with a feel good number called "Happy Hour," a metaphor for Heaven . . . "happy hour is about to start." Sheri counters with "No Matter How Far," a tune that shows the similarities between the stories of Ruth and Peter from the Bible. On an interesting side note, Jamie Harvill ("Ancient Of Days"), a noted writer in the Praise and Worship field, co-wrote "No Matter How Far" with Rebecca Peck.

Patriotism is never out of style. Jeff delivers an inspirational flag waving anthem called "My Country." Love songs never go out of style either. Sheri's contributions as both a writer and performer in this category have become a tradition on the Easter's recordings over the years. The title of the CD is also the title of the song, "Forever And A Day." Just when you're on the verge of becoming teary eyed (or nauseated!) with the abundance of sentiment, Jeff is joined by the Osbourne Brothers for a rollick through a bluegrass tune called "Light At The River."

Other cuts on Forever And A Day include three more written by Sheri ("Melody," "That Same Tear," "Open Your Eyes") and "The Missing Peace" with Jeff joined by Rhonda Vincent on vocals. For something a little different to conclude the CD, fans of Motown music will enjoy Jeff and Sheri's genre-blending talents on the Jackie Wilson standard "Higher And Higher."

Since joining Spring Hill Music Group, Jeff and Sheri Easter have settled into a groove with producer Michael Sykes. They've developed a unique sound with Sheri's throaty alto contrasting Jeff's country tones, and you can always expect lyrics that are solidly written, both in terms of poetic value and message. Sykes' skills as producer place their music tracks well above par. Jeff and Sheri continually deliver the type of songs we've grown to expect, but they always seem to throw in a surprise. Some fans might wish for another cut or two on Forever And A Day. Total playing time for the ten tunes clocks in at just under 34 minutes. Only bean counter fans would let that stop them from purchasing this CD, though, because it's excellent overall.