Dixie Echoes cd, Sounds of Sunday Reviewed

The Dixie Echoes have a long and illustrious history in Southern Gospel Music. Though many people have passed through the ranks of this quartet, I don’t think they have had a more solid sound than with the collective they have today. Consisting of Randy Shelnut on lead, his son “Scoot” Shelnut on baritone, Tracy Couch singing bass, newest member, Dallas Rogers doing tenor and Stewart Varnado on piano, these guys definitely have it together vocally. This was my first introduction to the voice of Dallas Rogers, and I am deeply impressed. He’s a cross between Archie Watkins and Don Thomas (former tenor for the Florida Boys in the early 80s) and he has a big voice and he is all over this recording.

The classic, “IF JESUS IS THERE” starts things off and really showcase some great precision singing by the guys. In fact, there are a couple of other tunes on here that really do an excellent job of doing that; and those songs “UP TO THE HOUSE OF PRAYER” and “OLE BROTHER NOAH” are true highlights of the recording.

One of my favorite songs by the Dixie Echoes is the golden oldie, “PRAISE THE NAME OF GOD” and it was great hearing this song revived, as was another wonderful classic, “I WON’T HAVE TO WORRY ANYMORE”.

I was glad to see a couple of my all time favorite quartet numbers included and the guys do a good job with “WELCOME HOME MY CHILD” and “NEW BORN FEELING” before slowing things down for “THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY” and the Albert E. Brumley classic, “IF WE NEVER MEET AGAIN”. Ending much like it began, “AFTER THE SUNRISE” closes out the recording with a resounding finish.

For the most part, the arrangements on these songs are pretty simple, but showcase some first class singing. With 10 songs, the total time for this recording clocks in at exactly 24 minutes, so it’s a pretty short recording, and it’s over before you know it. The tracks are pretty basic, but well done. I am waiting for the Dixie Echoes to really come out with a big recording. It’s been a few years since they’ve had a big song, and while it won’t be found on this recording, this is definitely one to add to your collection and one that fans like myself will listen to and enjoy over and over again.

Personal Favs: IF JESUS IS THERE; UP TO THE HOUSE OF PRAYER; PRAISE THE NAME OF GOD; WELCOME HOME MY CHILD; THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY

Review by: James Hales