True Believers CD Review

True Believers

Home With Family And Friends

One of the indicators of a great “LIVE” recording is when you can play the CD, and while listening, feel that you are in the audience. That is exactly what will happen when you listen to True Believers’ new CD, “Home With Family and Friends.” This 2004 release was recorded at Southwest Mississippi Community College, Summit, Mississippi.

It is hard to believe that this is only the third recording by True Believers. The group has been together less than 10 years, but when you listen to “Home With Family and Friends,” you will readily conclude that these guys are seasoned professionals. The group consists of members Patrick Varnado, Terry Varnado, Castro Coleman, Dale Hall, DeWayne Weatherspoon, Derrick Martin, Reginald McGhee and Vinson Walker.

The project opens with “Stranger.” What a powerful opening song. It has a very interesting arrangement. The drums are very prominent in this song. The energy the guys displays in this song is an indicator of what the rest of the project offers – a lot of energy. Next is a great praise and worship song, “In This Place.” The song seeks to usher in (by welcoming) the Holy Spirit “In This Place.” This song is over six minutes long and is worthy of every minute. True Believers also demonstrate great background harmony on this song.

The beat picks back up with “Heaven.” Listen closely and you hear echoes of The Canton Spirituals and The Christianaires; in that you could easily imagine Harvey or Paul Porter leading this song. You will also probably smile during this song when the praise “Good Time” is sang over and over – yes, it does make you think of Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC’s. The guys really work this song. It actually feels that they were having a 'joyous time' singing this song.

The next track is “Don’t Worry (Be Happy).” No, this is definitely Bobby McFerrin’s song of the same title. In their song, True Believers encourages us by reminding us that no matter what is going on in your life we need not worry about it. Just turn it over to Jesus and “Don’t Worry (Be Happy).”

The next tack is “Turn Around.” It is difficult not to continue to draw the comparison of some of the tracks to other groups. Well, “Turn Around” is another song that could have been recorded by The Christianaires. Making the comparison does not take away from the unique vocals True Believers bring to this song. This is another song wherein the guys display a great deal of energy.

The next two tracks, “Don’t Count Me Out” and I Don’t Need No Rock” are from their prior project titled Don’t Count Me Out. The live version of these songs takes them to another level. The testimony on “Don’t Count Me Out” is very powerful. “I Don’t Need No Rock” is another song that will remind you of another group – this time, The Williams Brothers.

“Lord I Thank You” allow the guys to once again showcase great harmony. There are several songs on this project that could be considered a drive song. However, “Lord I Thank You” is deserving of as much airplay as the next track – “(Ooh Wee) Another Blessing.”

Throughout the gospel quartet industry a song become the signature song of a group. “(Ooh Wee) Another Blessing” is destined to be True Believers’ signature song. This song was also on the Don’t Count Me Out project. Getting airplay will definitely not be a problem for this song. This song represents vintage gospel quartet singing.

“Jesus” and “Shout” are the next two tracks. “Jesus” is a slow, thought provoking, song. You may find yourself raising your hands and swaying back and forth on this song. “Shout” is a toe tapping, foot stomping, hand clapping song. It invites you, in that traditional Christianaires’ style, to just “Shout” your troubles away.

The last three tracks are “Just Look At The Blessing,” Right Now Lord,” and “Rescue.” Collectively, these three songs are reflective of the broad range of styles and voices of True Believers. They can sing whatever they desire, in whatever style they desire, and in any arrangement they choose.

True Believers will probably be often compared to the likes of The Canton Spirituals, The Christianaires, and The Williams Brothers. However, the comparison is a good thing. True Believers have taken a little from each of these groups and crafted their own originality and uniqueness. With that said, we give True Believers’ "Home With Family and Friends" a solid 8.5 out of 10. If this project is not a part of your collection, you are missing a great “Live” recording. This project is available everywhere so feel free to order from your favorite on-line CD merchant, your local record store or from DET Records. DET Records telephone number is (601) 783-6305.

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