Sweet Land of Rest
Sonlite Records
The Palmetto State Quartet carries a legacy that extends back to the 1940s and into its newest release, “Sweet Land of Rest.” On this release, the lineup of Kerry Beatty (lead), John Rulapaugh (tenor), Rick Fair (baritone), Aaron McCune (bass) and pianist Andrew Ishee has created a recording with a stripped-down style that would have been at home in the 1950s — sounds as if the original group members might have done it.
Produced by Jeff Collins, the disc kicks off with a couple of toe-tappers, “I’m Gonna Pray” and “No Doubt Salvation.” McCune does a fine job on his feature vocal on “I’m Gonna Pray.” Tenor Rulapaugh leads on “Land of Rest” with a smooth vocal and the whole group turning in solid harmonies on the chorus. Fair does a great job on “Old Fashioned Altar Call,” a highlight on the project with an unmistakable hook.
The most “modern” track is probably “The Life You’ve Always Wanted,” written by Joel Lindsey and Sue Smith. Beatty has a strong, lead vocal performance on the song, which is a typically competent tune from Lindsey and Smith.
Listen also for “Behold the Lamb,” “What a Wonderful Lord” and “Only by the Blood.” “Sweet Land of Rest” finishes with “I Am Sailing Away,” featuring solid four-part harmony throughout the whole song, in true traditional quartet fashion.
With “Sweet Land of Rest,” the Palmetto State Quartet cements its reputation as one of the better traditional quartets in the southern gospel market.
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