Sounding their best

Legacy Five is in their 21^st year, and in my opinion, they are at the top of their game. Scott Fowler has placed voices together that is an incredible mix. Matt Fouch holds the honorable place of bass. Lee Black rises to the occasion in the tenor position. Brian Walker is in the baritone position and doing an amazing job. Scott Fowler is the groups lead singer. Josh Townsend shares a few vocals from time to time but is their amazingly talented pianist.

Now that you know the group, let me say that this is best that Legacy Five has sounded in years. Don’t get me wrong, they’ve never sounded bad, but with this vocal collection, their harmonies are tighter, their highs, and lows are right where they need to be, and the baritone rounds out the harmony in a way I’ve not heard in years. 

L5’s latest album entitled “Pure Love” begins and ends with a bang. “What a Day” starts with a contemporary beat, an almost whispered voice in the verse but takes full effect in the chorus and you immediately hear that harmony that I told you about. I’m listening now, and after the second chorus, their voices make me feel the words.

“What Kind of Man” has garnered much attention for the group and Southern Gospel. Brian Walker begins with the proclamation that he is Barabbas and paints a vocal picture of a questioning man as he looks at Christ. Scott Fowler is up next as Thomas, recalling his own struggle with doubt, but is faced with the scars in the hands and side of Christ. Lee Black makes his presence as Peter and details his denial of Christ and wonders how Christ could still care. After the men reprise their roles, Matt Fouch appears as all three in one. The message is, “What Kind of Man would rescue the sinner and offer amazing grace at Calvary?”

The album’s namesake in “Love Pure Love” and opens up with a welcomed jam session of guitar riffs and a bit of drums, but the story begins to take shape as the sinner woman breaks the high valued box and anointed Jesus, but His response was not critical but Pure Love.

“I Believe the Book” is a favorite of mine, partly because of Brian Walker's smooth vocals, but the message is on point for those of us that truly believe “God’s Wonderful Book Divine”. There are seven songs that I’ve not been able to cover in this article however they are sure to uplift you and will undoubtedly speak truth into your life.

I’ve been clear that this is the best L5 has sounded in years, I make no apology in saying that. Folks you owe it to yourself to hear this album, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View. 

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The Songs of Master’s Voice

           This week’s artist is likely new to you. I’ve been around Gospel music for a few decades now and in the “industry” for over two years now and have only recently become acquainted with them.  In early 2019 I was sent their album “Vintage”, then in December 2019 I received their latest album, “Solace”. It is this album that I intend on reviewing for your benefit and I hope to introduce you to this rising group.

Released in January of this year and available on cd and in digital form, I highly recommend it. Normally I reserve that suggestion for the end of the review, but let’s be honest, even if I have a negative review of someone or an album, I still hope that you will listen and form your own opinion.

The group began in 1995, and have only released five albums, one of which was a Christmas album. Although only a few albums are under their belt, this latest release has everything you could ask for. It is surprisingly packed with 12 songs and over 45 minutes of listening pleasure. The album begins with a mid-tempo song, “Let Us Not Grow Weary”, it is plain and simple an encouraging song straight from Galatians 6:9. “He’s coming Back” is again torn from scripture. It has a musical vibe that reminds me of the disco era, but it’s not off-putting in any way.

My favorite title is “Things Only God Can Do”. Opening with the prayer that many of us prayed as a child, “Now I lay me down to sleep”, the song outlines some of those simple things and moments in our life that are actually profound.  The fourth track is “Thinking Outside the Grave’, is begins with a dark overtone, but once the lyrics start to unravel you’ll soon realize that “Life doesn’t end with a box in the ground”, and as believers we can think beyond the grave.

Their latest radio single is “Peace Like a River” has an island themed intro, followed by wonderfully delivered lyrics by Tenor/Owner Ricky Capps. You’re bound to feel a little lighter after hearing this, so be sure to request it on Radio or even on Southern Gospel Point of View. There are seven more songs on this album, and each one is worth your time. I’d love to hear your thoughts about the album, but especially track 11 “Last of the Last Days”. 

Do me a favor, go to my website and request any of their songs, you can also call in your request at 865-315-7996. When you call, leave a voicemail about any of the groups, reviews, or songs that you’ve enjoyed through this article. 

I have to encourage you one last time to get to know Master’s Voice. They are everything you can look for in a quartet, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View. 

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.