Search - Various Artists :: Feel Like My Time Ain't Long

The purity of four well-blended voices will make you happy

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 12/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 35:12 -- Some of the most stirring and inspirational music in a bluegrass band's repertoire is their gospel material. A group also demonstrates its vocal mettle when they choose to sing a cappella. Three favorite a cappella albums of mine have included Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver's "Heaven's Joy Await," Ralph Stanley's "Almost Home," and The Isaacs' "Bluegrass A Cappella." There have also been many fine Southern Gospel quartets releasing a cappella projects, and record label compilations like "Sacred Voices - An A Cappella Collection" issued by Sugar Hill Records in 1999 has truly heart-warming songs that celebrate the spirit of God too with a variety of excellent artists on their label.



Rebel Records' "Feel Like My Time Ain't Long" a cappella gospel collection draws from pre-released material dating from 1971-2005. Ralph Stanley introduced the idea of gospel quartet singing without instruments to bluegrass fans in 1971 (on his "Cry From The Cross" album on Rebel Records), and his offering of "Gloryland" from that year shows the fortitude and vocal strength of his band at that time (with Jack Cooke, Roy Lee Center, & Keith Whitley). Stanley once commented that he felt that he was doing both himself, and his audiences, some good with gospel messages. That's what I looked for in all the songs on this compilation - an emotional attachment and indication that the bands believe what they were singing. I was not disappointed. All of them vocalize in ways that strive to touch, encourage and motivate us. Larry Sparks' selections (Gospel Train, I Need Jesus) feature him singing two parts (lead, baritone). The latter cut, with the Marshall Family, is an intricate arrangement with various singers changing parts as the song progresses and modulates. Because this CD features just singing, we find that all 15 songs range in length from 2-3 minutes apiece. Other groups represented on this album include the Forbes Family, Country Gentlemen, IIIrd Tyme Out, Appalachian Express, Paul Williams & the Victory Trio, Blue Highway, Steep Canyon Rangers, and Virginia Squires.



It's pleasing to see a cappella material offer various styles, arrangements, and vocal stackings for presentation. Call and response style comes from Southern Gospel tradition. Some vocal stackings feature lead vocals on top, with three harmonies below. These include IIIrd Tyme Out's rendition of "When I Cross Over Jordan," Appalachian Express' "I'll Meet You In The Morning," and Paul Williams' "My Homeward Journey." Interestingly, the Marshall Family's "Amazing Grace" has high and low baritone parts in their mix but no tenor vocal.



With cohesive harmonies and well-aligned phrasing, the songs have been assembled into a splendid set. The purity of four well-blended voices will make you happy, and those of the Christian faith will particularly find considerable spiritual guidance in the music. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

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Feel Like My Time Ain't Long

Dick Boice | Mississippi | 09/22/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I heard a cut from the CD on Mississippi Public Radio. Got the title, went to Amazon, recieved the CD w/i 3 days. Just like new and a lot cheaper then driving to a store that probably would not have had it anyway. I love the CD and the a cappella songs are inspiring and as American as the Applalachian Mountains."