Allison Durham Speer

This Old House
Crossroads Records

Allison Durham Speer possesses a powerhouse vocal range, and she knows how to sell a song to a crowd. In the past, Speer has performed covers of Sandi Patti’s signature songs and held her own. A review of her previous recordings reveals Speer is generally content to sing other singers’ hits. “This Old House” is no exception.

The CD begins with “Dearest Friend I Ever Had,” progressing through three key changes to showcase Speer’s impressive range. The upbeat mood continues with “There’s No Such Thing,” “King Jesus” and the title cut. Speer then slows the pace for a medley of “I’m Bound for That City” and “Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All.” Dropping the instrumentation to just a piano on the second verse to give herself room, Speer then builds for a grand ending. She’s not just a singer with a big range; she’s flexible as well.

Other highlights from “This Old House” include the Dottie Rambo classic “Tears Will Never Stain the Streets of That City,” a medley combining “One Day” and “We’ll Soon Be Done” and David Binion’s “Lord, Feed Your Children.” You may detect a hint of a Vestal Goodman influence in Speer’s singing style. Johnny Minick’s production work gives “This Old House” a dose of that Happy Goodman Family attitude as well. Minick also lends his vocals for the Rusty Goodman standard, “Had It Not Been.”

On one hand, “This Old House” is an impressive display of vocal ability. On the other hand, a fan can’t help but wish a singer with Speer’s skills would apply her talents to some fresh, new material. That being said, the production quality, nontraditional CD packaging and Speer’s delivery combine to make “This Old House” a noteworthy project.