The Cumberland Quartet
Acoustic Hymns, Vol. 1
Haun & Ward Entertainment
On “Acoustic Hymns, Vol. 1,” the full-voiced harmonies of The Cumberland Quartet are merged with Appalachian instrumentation and the occasional piano lick. The compact disc (CD) separates itself from traditional bluegrass recordings due to its lack of stereotypical pinched, nasal vocal tones. At the same time, the CD stands in contrast to typical southern gospel quartet recordings due to the instrumentation.
The instruments are limited to basic rhythm patterns while the singers generally keep their delivery simple. It’s not the most unique approach, but the potential is there to turn what The Cumberland Quartet has already established into a successful brand with other artists doing similar recordings.
The CD packaging is designed with this in mind: a simple photo of a mandolin is on the cover rather than a group photo, and the CD series title is given top billing.
Each singer takes an individual turn on “Amazing Grace,” and there’s a solo bass verse on “Pass Me Not.” Aside from those moments, The Cumberland Quartet sings straight four-part harmony throughout this project.
“Acoustic Hymns, Vol. 1” is aimed at the same demographic that embraced the extremely popular “Smoky Mountain Hymns” series during the 1990s. As such, “Acoustic Hymns, Vol. 1” may open new doors for The Cumberland Quartet in roots music circles.
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