Since my review of the Tribute Quartet’s 2010 cd, Hit Replay, the group has experienced a membership change. Bass vocalist Dennis Dugger decided to leave the road, and Anthony Davis joined the group shortly afterwards. However, this is also recently acquired tenor Riley Clarke’s first mainstream release with the group. Both vocalists prove ability to stand strong beside group veterans, Gary Casto (lead) and Josh Singletary (baritone/pianist). On Tribute Quartet’s project, The Waiting Is Over, fans are treated to refreshing vocal arrangements combined with excellent lyrics and smooth instrumentation to accent both.
Starting the project is the mid-tempo concert-opener, “Songs of Zion.” This tune is reminiscent of the latter full-time days of Poet Voices providing strong harmonies throughout. Continuing in a similar feeling next is “Makes Me Want to Go.” This song receives a soft shuffle treatment which keeps it unique from the other up-tempo songs on the project. The Waiting Is Over begins to slow down for a resurrection-themed tune, “Jesus Is Alive.” Its pace doesn’t quite match to the power in the voices causing for a minor drag in some areas. However, the song doesn’t suffer from clichéd rhymes which help it stand as one of the project’s better lyrical selections.
Riley Clarke steps up for his first significant solo, “Homecoming Day.” This song written and previously recorded by Jim & Melissa Brady holds a strong message for the Christian. Tribute Quartet’s performance isn’t too much musically motivated, nor is it too much vocally motivated. Both the music and vocals work together to provide a powerful sound for the listener. This could easily be Riley Clarke and the Tribute Quartet’s breakthrough to the large realms of Southern Gospel. “More Than Able” continues in an evangelistic feel much similar to Greater Vision’s original performance on their 2002 live album. This performance shows the Tribute Quartet’s ability to traverse from a mega-ballad to a lighter quartet style.
Some groups have been able to perform the “name” songs well. By “name” songs, I’m referring to songs speaking of the names of Christ or God, the Father. “The I Am” continues the project in a much simpler vein drawing a stark contrast to the stronger lyrics in the project’s first half. “There Is a City” moves on livening up the project. Riley Clarke is featured once again and nails his performance. This song, though musically similar to the Kingdom Heirs’ “I Know I’m Going There,” has more of a concert favorite feeling to it rather than a radio hit. The encore tagged at the end gives the same singing experienced at the “fake” ending. More creativity at the song’s end would build a better ending rather than making the song seem the same for a minute longer. “The Climb” continues featuring a soft performance from Josh Singletary. His vocals and the calm mood in the song combine for a great thought for the listener.
Tribute Quartet pays homage to one of the “trailblazers”, the Hinsons, with “He’s Leading the Way.” Though not quite capturing the energy and excitement the popular family group held, Tribute does a good job keeping this song for current & future generations to hear. Riley Clarke shares a humble prayer in song, “Save My Family.” This song speaks to me personally because it describes the first verse describes my immediate family perfectly. The message is timely, giving a reminder for fellow individuals to keep family members and friends’ spiritual lives at the forefront of their prayers. Closing the project is the high energy tune written by Ann Downing & Daryl Williams, “Bring on the Joy.” The encore from “There Is a City” could have been moved to this tune considering its length & the vivacious spirit consistently interspersed. The song is an excellent close to the recording and an obvious pick as the project’s best up-tempo track.
Tribute Quartet, in more ways than one, gave Southern Gospel fans a message, “The waiting is over.” Not only does the title borrow from the project’s big hit, “Homecoming Day,” without being too obvious, but it also shares that the waiting is over for the project’s biggest and best album to date. Correct emphasis placed on the lyrics rather than music accompaniment rank The Waiting Is Over high in 2011’s best Southern Gospel recordings. The song selections with their impeccable vocals give the listener a healthy dose of quartet singing without being too flashy. Southern Gospel listeners have tapped into a fountain quality singing from Tribute Quartet, and The Waiting Is Over is evidence of their carefully displaying this.
CD Rating: 9/10
Song List: Songs of Zion, Makes Me Want to Go*, Jesus Is Alive*, Homecoming Day*, More Than Able, The I Am, There Is a City*, The Climb*, He Is Leading the Way, Save My Family*, and Bring on the Joy*
Asterisks denote personal favorites.
Review copy provided. Available from Crossroads Music*
*This project is slated for retail on July 19, but Crossroads recently released the project digitally.
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