The McKameys

The McKameys

The Message
Horizon/Crossroads

It’s certainly appropriate that the first song on “The Message” is “Tell Me the Story of Jesus.” The McKameys’ career has been built on “the message” and telling the world about the story of Jesus.

“The Shepherd’s Point of View” brings Sheryl Farris, Ruben and Peg’s daughter, back to the mic after a considerable hiatus. She’s been busy being a pastor’s wife and mom, but she’s back in rare form and does a wonderful job on this tune.

The group approaches “One Step at a Time” as a family quartet. With its punchy harmonies, The McKameys prove they can do more than their mountain style of southern gospel music, and by they way, Peg, you’re a fine quartet lead singer. “I Keep Praying” is the first national release from “The Message.” Keep this song close by at all times, as you’ve either just come out of a valley, you’re in one or there’s one on the way. As the song states, the only way you’ll stand is if you keep praying.

If there’s such a thing as a mountain-style, southern gospel praise and worship song, then “Above and Beyond” is it. I love the all-acoustic treatment to the song “This Is My Story.” “There Is Much to Do” is an up-tempo, old familiar gospel song The McKameys bring back tapping into that wonderful family quartet sound yet again.

Finally the concluding song is just as appropriate to end the CD as the first song was to start this recording. You see the great thing about “The Message” is that Jesus is still “Standing at the Altar” for those who so desperately are in need of the message of the gospel — which is always the message of The McKameys.   (Les Butler)