|
 "Beyond
the Shadows," now being reissued by Sugar Hill Records, is Doyle Lawson and
Quicksilver's third gospel release (from 1986), and it celebrates a few
different highlights in the band's career. Firstly, it celebrates the band's
existence for a quarter century since their formation in 1979. The band signed
with the Sugar Hill Records label the following year, and this reissue marks an
impressive and prolific long-term relationship that has resulted in 24 albums in
as many years for this fine group that features well-blended vocal harmonies and
arrangements.
Let's recall the early history of Lawson's band. In 1979, Lawson put Quicksilver
together with banjo player Terry Baucom, guitarist Jimmy Haley, and electric
bass player Lou Reid. The band released the albums Quicksilver, Rock My Soul,
Quicksilver Rides Again, Heavenly Treasures, and Once and for Always. After
rededicating his life to Jesus Christ in 1985, Lawson recorded the all-gospel
"Beyond the Shadows" with new players Scott Vestal (banjo), Curtis Vestal
(electric bass), and Russell Moore (guitar). It was momentous occasion that
indicated the band's ability to continue to set a high standard for bluegrass
gospel music.
His gospel (and secular) albums consistently best sellers, Lawson's recipe for
success has always been to present an excellent variety of material that appeals
to the young and the old. As an example of this approach, let's analyze the last
five songs on "Beyond the Shadows." Moving effortlessly from an acapella "Hiding
From The Storm Outside" to the call-and-response (with just guitar and mandolin
accompaniment) of "The Wings of Faith" (by Don Reno) demonstrates their skill.
A slow triple-timed "The Long, Long Journey" (by Jimmie Davis) adds Mike
Auldridge's pedal steel and provides us with an inspirational message. The band
then picks up the tempo with the a cappella "We'll Sing in Glory," before
closing the album with a bright, fully accompanied rendition of "My Lord
Delivered Me." I miss hearing some fiddle in the mix, but this gospel project
doesn't particularly suffer from its absence. Also, the electric bass has been
equalized to approximate the sound of an acoustic upright, but at times it tends
to have a bit much sustain. All in all, the instrumental accompaniment, when
used, does not detract from the vocals and the songs' messages.
The album's title cut comes from the pen of one of the early queens of country
musician, Martha Carson., who was a big draw at the Renfro Valley Barn Dance in
Kentucky. Lawson and band add guest Mike Auldridge's steel on this cut, and it's
a song that epitomized the type of great old-time gospel gold that Lawson
searches out and arranges for his band. "Babylon's Falling," presented without
instruments, precedes an uptempo "Every Time I Feel the Spirit" that is
accompanied with only the guitar playing a vamped barre chords.
Another occasion for this reissued album to celebrate is Doyle Lawson's 60th
birthday in 2004. Happy Birthday, Doyle! He developed a love for quartet gospel
singing as a child. His mother, father, and sister sang in various trios and
quartets. Preserving his family traditions has always been one of Lawson's
goals. "Beyond the Shadows" is an album that presents gorgeous vocal work,
both from the lead and harmony singers. All should take note of this band's
ability to seamlessly blend their voices, as well as to arrange their songs
without any or with just enough instrumentation to make them special and
memorable. "Beyond the Shadows" could make a rainbow appear on even the
darkest, stormy day. (Joe Ross)
DOYLE
LAWSON & QUICKSILVER - Beyond the Shadows
Sugar Hill Records SUG-CD-3753
Playing Time - 32:38
Songs - . When We Meet to Part No More, 2. By the Side of the Road, 3. Babylon's
Falling, 4. Every Time I Feel the Spirit , 5. Beyond the Shadows, 6. When the
World's on Fire, 7. When Life Is Over, 8. Hiding From the Storm Outside, 9. The
Wings of Faith, 10. The Long, Long Journey, 11. We'll Sing in Gloryland, 12. My
Lord Delivered Me |
