Press On

Dixie Echoes
Traditional/Independent

Very few names in southern gospel music are more legendary than the name “Dixie Echoes.” Ever since the group’s inception more than 40 years ago, traditional southern gospel music has been the game plan — and there’s no change for their latest recording, “Press On.”

“Press On” features a mixture of both old and new songs. Bringing back memories are such songs as the Lee Roy Abernathy tune, “Lord I’m Ready Now to Go” and from the Stamps-Baxter catalog, “Bend Away Down Low” — which, by the way, features a terrific performance by bass vocalist Billy Todd.

There are plenty of new songs, too. For example, you’ll find a song that’s already made its way into the national charts, “Tree of Life,” and a song that seems headed that way, “Lord, Lead Me Home.”

“What’s that Over the River” portrays the quartet at its very best and Ricky Atkinson’s title song, “Press On,” illustrates the group’s versatility.

In addition to the aforementioned songs, you’ll also enjoy the classic-sounding “The Joy of Heaven,” “My Refuge,” “He’s Waiting,” “High Ground” (an instrumental by the Dixie Echoes band) and the catchy “Ship of Zion.”

All in all, this is one of the best Dixie Echoes recording to come along — and they’ve had many good ones. But this one definitely makes the “must have” list.