Poet voices

Poet voices
Pilgrim Song (Sonlite)

If there’s anything that’s a guarantee in this world, it’s the fact that whenever you pick up an album by Poet Voices, it’s going to be loaded with fine songs from the pen of Phil Cross. And, in the case of Pilgrim Song, when you add in a few classics from the “red-book” hymnal, you’ve got one terrific recording.

The title song is the first tune on this Sonlite effort, and because of the arrangement and lyrics, by the time it is finished playing, the listener truly feels he has his bags in his hands and he’s walking a heavenly highway. Next is “O Happy Day,” done a cappella, just as it was written. This spotlights the very foundation Southern gospel music was built upon — and Poet Voices prove they are just as strong as any quartet out there.

Other songs include tenor Dale Brock in “Be Still And Know” and the hand-clapper “Gotta Go Back.”

Wrapping up the album is a legendary song from the legendary Dad Speer, “Heaven’s Jubilee.” As always, this song is going to be a favorite, whether performed live or heard on a recording.

Whether you’ve been a supporter of Poet Voices for a long time or Pilgrim Song is your introduction to this fine quartet, you simply must have this recording. To call yourself a Southern gospel fan and not own Pilgrim Song would be a major contradiction.