Fair Haven Quartet is one of the latest signees to the recently relaunched Heartwarming Records, a division of Homeland Entertainment (the group has since been promoted to the label group's Riversong label since the release of this record).
Songs & Smiles features a mix of traditional and new songs. The group does a good job on the more classic material - specifically "Songs & Smiles" (despite the bum bass note on the end chord), "Lovely Name of Jesus," and "Bye and Bye" (which features a more bluesy approach which works for the group). The Nick Bruno original "In the Good Old Days" has a great traditional Southern feel, but there are a few pitch issues throughout the song.
The group has a fairly strong blend, and no doubt partnering with Nick Bruno has improved the group's sound. Lead singer Troy Baxter has a nice voice that helps carry the melody very well. Baritone Alan Coppock turns in a very strong performance on "Until You've Known the Love of God," making it a stand out track. The group's current single, "Fallen, Found, Forgiven, & Free" is easily the recording's strongest cut - a radio-friendly traditional number sure to perk up listeners' ears during drive time. However, "Power to Spare" shows the group with a less than appealing blend, and it's one of those tracks that should have been worked on a bit longer.
Songs & Smiles features some impressive studio musicians - such as Kelly Back, Nick Bruno, Marty Shrabel, and more - and even though the tracks are fairly simplistic - they are a strong nonetheless. Overall, Songs & Smiles is a nice introduction to Fair Haven Quartet. The mixing could have used a little more love, but overall, this recording should work well for this promising group.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 05/15/2009
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 3
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On Jan. 3, 2011 I ordered the CD "Songs and Smiles," Item # SOSM and paid Pay Pal $17.00. My Pay Pal receipt # is: 2660-7474-9386-6829. AS of today, Jan. 19, 2011, I have not received the CD. Please check this out for me.
Julius - you need to contact Fair Haven Quartet about this purchase - we are in no way affiliated with the group. This is just a review of the album. Check out http://www.fairhavenquartet.com/ for contact info on the group!
Thanks!
Is there any way I can get a CD without the words to, Wisemen Still Seek Him, Danny and I have looked everywhere, no luck. We have all your CD'S and have been to several of you concerts. We simply love all of you. I always come up and talk to you all when I am at your concerts. I will gladly pay for the CD, we need it to sing in Church. Please let me know. My address is Becky Bullock 61 Bullock Ave. PO Box 652 Livingston, Ky. 40445. Please let me know as soon as you can. I love you guys. Keep on singing for Christ!
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