SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: 25- LEGACY FIVE

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:

CD REVIEW:

25

LEGACY FIVE

LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS

PRODUCER: WAYNE HAUN

RELEASE DATE: APRIL 12, 2024

GROUP MEMBERS: SCOTT FOWLER (LEAD), MATT FOUCH (BASS), LEE BLACK (TENOR), JAKE LOSEN (BARITONE), AND TIM PARTON (PIANIST)

SONG LIST:

Homeward Bound (Lee Black, Sue C. Smith)

Bigger On The Inside (Lee Black)

You Have Always Been My Shepherd (Dave Clark, Wayne Haun, Don Koch)

Never Just Another Sunday (Lee Black, Gina Boe, Don Koch)

Hello After Goodbye (Jim Brady, Barry Weeks, Tony Wood)

Strong In The Strength (Roger Bennett)

He Made A Change (Ernie Haase, Joel Lindsey)

Strike Up The Band (Dianne Wilkinson)

I Stand Redeemed (Belinda Smith, Christina Degazio, Kelly Garner)

Vessel Of Mercy (Richard Kelly)

The People That God Give You (Lee Black, Aaron Wilburn)

I Found Grace (Roger Bennett)

God’s Been Good (Belinda Smith, Sue C. Smith)

THOUGHTS:

In 1999, following the retirement of the Cathedrals, Scott Fowler and Roger Bennett formed a new group called Legacy Five. This stellar quartet still carries on the tradition of that legendary group and has carved out quite a legacy for themselves as well. God has blessed this group over its impressive twenty-five year career. Many talented vocalists and musicians have been a part of this group including: Josh Cobb, Tony Jarman, Frank Seamans, Gus Gaches, Josh Feemster, Scott Howard, Bryan Walker, Glenn Dustin, Trey Ivey, Josh Townsend, and Garrett Anderson. Now, lead singer and co-founder Scott Fowler is joined by bass singer Matt Fouch (who joined in 2012), tenor singer and prolific songwriter Lee Black (who joined in 2019), baritone Jake Losen (who joined in 2023), and pianist Tim Parton, who began his second tenure with the group in 2023. Parton previously traveled with the group from 2006-2011. In celebration of twenty-five years, Legacy Five has released a new project that features a mix of new songs and some of the group’s most beloved songs.

This incredible album features eight classic L5 standards which are given fresh updates. As a fan for over a decade, it is great to hear these songs again with new vocals and accompaniment. “Hello After Goodbye” is just as moving as the first time I heard it. Scott Fowler’s lead vocal is stronger than ever on this powerful hit song. The group also takes it back to the beginning with incredible new renditions of “Strong In The Strength,” “He Made A Change,” “I Stand Redeemed,” and “Vessel Of Mercy.” “He Made A Change” is one of my favorite Cathedrals/L5/EHSS songs and it is once again done justice here featuring Fowler’s stellar lead and Matt Fouch’s earth rumbling low notes. Lee Black delivers a simply brilliant vocal on the L5 hit “I Stand Redeemed.” “Strike Up The Band” is another favorite of mine and I’m glad it was included here. If I’m not mistaken, this is the first time the group has recorded it in the studio as it originally appeared on  Live In Music City (2006). “Another favorite of mine, “I Found Grace” which was the group’s first #1 charting song is given a fresh update here as well. Finally, Tim Parton shines on a new recording of his signature song “God’ Been Good.” This powerful song praises Christ for His Faithfulness. He has been there through it all.

This album also features five brand new songs. New baritone Jake Losen shines on the powerful ballad “You Have Always Been My Shepherd”, which tells of Christ’s faithfulness. He also takes the lead on the groovy “Never Just Another Sunday,” which encourages listeners to not simply go through the motions. Losen is a great addition to the group with his smooth baritone vocal. Both songs are sure to be future hits for the group. The driving rhythm of “Homeward Bound” harkens back to the early days of the group and looks toward Heaven. There’s a Heavenly Book and my name’s written down! I am homeward bound! Matt Fouch and Lee Black take the lead on the mid-tempo ballad “Bigger On The Inside.” This beautiful lyric from Lee Black describes a simple church that may not look like much, but is a special place of fellowship. It holds a lot of Love. All of Heaven fits in there. Lee Black also takes the lead on the tender ballad “The People That God Gives You,” which reminds listeners to cherish and love the people God has given you. Treasure every moment spent. None of us are here forever. Love the people that God gives you because one day He will want them back.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

25 YEARS. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE MILESTONE! THIS SPECIAL ALBUM CELEBRATES THIS ACHIEVEMENT BY NOT ONLY LOOKING TO THE PAST, BUT ALSO TO THE FUTURE. LEGACY FIVE HAS BEEN SUCH A BLESSING IN MY LIFE FOR OVER A DECADE. EACH MEMBER OF THE GROUP THAT I HAVE MET HAS BEEN INCREDIBLY KIND AND HAS MADE AN A MAJOR IMPACT ON ME. LIKE ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND, LEGACY FIVE WAS ONE OF THE GROUPS THAT GOT ME HOOKED ON SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC. THIS CD FEATURES SOME OF MY FAVORITE L5 SONGS AND SOME INCREDIBLE NEW SONGS THAT ARE SURE TO BE FAVORITES. HERE’S TO ANOTHER 25 YEARS!!

ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS OF THE YEAR!!!

5 OUT 5 STARS!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.legacyfive.com