New Music Reviews: November 22 Releases

by | Nov 7, 2019 | CD Reviews, Reviews


Timeless is the latest recording by Jay Stone Singers. This trio includes Bobby and Sharona Carter as well as their daughter Emma. (The group bears the name of Sharona’s father, group founder Jay Stone, who retired from traveling in 2010.)

The appeal of this recording varies from song to song for me. Songs like “Pray ‘Til You Pray Through” sound very good while tracks like “Big Or Small” make me want to hit the Next button.

Song Titles: Timeless; Big or Small; Jesus Hold My Heart; Run To Him; Reason For The Rain; God Is Able; He Has Loved Us Well;
Pray ‘Til You Pray Through; The Resurrection And The Life; The Stone Is Rolled Away
Rating: 3 Stars (scale of 1-5 Stars)
Release Date: November 22, 2019
Version Reviewed: CD


All ten songs on Beautiful Day are written by the singer, Mark Bishop. Bishop has been recording on the Sonlite Records label since 2003.

Pros: “A Beautiful Day” is light-hearted with a full quartet including Jeff Chapman, who has a step-out line at the end. “God Needs Ministers” rocks. Amber Eppinette’s vocals elevate “Are You Ready For Perfect Love?” to new heights. Jeff Collins’ piano work is a highlight on “It’s All Good.” “I’m Just Changing Mountains” is a fun song followed by another fun song with heart titled “Home Grown Tomatoes.”

Cons: I appreciate the fact that Bishop is a well-established songwriter who isn’t afraid to take risks, but the cheesy “nuh uh uh” lyric on “It’s All Good” doesn’t work. Also, some of the changes in style on Beautiful Day from one song to the next are jarring.

Producers: Jeff Collins and Mark Bishop
Label: Horizon Records
Song Titles: It’s A Beautiful Day; God Needs Ministers; Are You Ready For Perfect Love; It’s All Good; I’ll Just Keep Rowing; You Can’t Say He Didn’t Love Us; I’m Just Changing Mountains; Home Grown Tomatoes; The Man On The Other Cross; Lost, Lost, Lost
Rating: 4 Stars (scale of 1-5 Stars)
Release Date: November 22, 2019
Version Reviewed: CD


The 3 Heath Brothers are based in Thomasville, NC. Brothers Nicholas, Clayton, and Christian Heath began singing together as children when their mother taught them to sing harmony parts. (Christian and Clayton are identical twins.) Their first recording was released in 2016 and they began actively touring in 2017. Who We Are is their first release on the Horizon Records label and features 11 tracks.

Pros: The most memorable songs on this CD are the energetic arrangements “Dream Small,” “Smell Of Smoke,” “Self Less,” and “Shake In His Shoes.” Also, the chord changes on the a cappella arrangement “It Is Well” would challenge many professional singers who have been singing far longer, but the 3 Heath Brothers deliver them with confidence.

Cons: The bright orange colors used on the CD packaging suggest happy, upbeat music will be found inside, but 7 out of 11 tracks are slow ballads. A couple more tracks in the vein of those I described as “energetic” above would make Who We Are considerably more appealing, and another a cappella arrangement would also be a welcome addition.

Producer: Roger Talley
Label: Horizon Records
Song Titles: Dream Small; This Is Who I Am; It Is Well; Smell Of Smoke; Give It To Jesus; No Matter What; Self Less; I Believe You; Mother’s Day Song; Shake In His Shoes; We Choose Life
Rating: 3 1/2 Stars (scale of 1-5 Stars)
Release Date: November 22, 2019
Version Reviewed: CD

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David Bruce Murray

David Bruce Murray

David Bruce Murray is a church music director in Ellenboro, NC. He is the author of Murray's Encyclopedia Of Southern Gospel Music and the owner of both SGHistory.com and MusicScribe.com.

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