SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
A STORY TO TELL
CALIFORNIA MELODY BOYS
PRODUCER: JONATHAN HENDRICKSON
RELEASE DATE: MARCH/APRIL 2024
GROUP MEMBERS: DAVE CRANDALL (BARITONE/LEAD), CRAIG SMITH (LEAD), AND JON LINCICUM (TENOR/LEAD)
SONG LIST:
- New Born Feeling
- We Are The Band
- Jesus I Am Resting
- How About Your Heart
- Heavenly Love
- Pass Me Not
- All Of My Heart
- He Will Provide
- It’s You
- Out Of Bondage
- Pass Me Not (Reprise)
THOUGHTS:
A fixture of The Great Western Fan Festival and of Southern Gospel Music on the west coast is The California Melody Boys. This dynamic group founded by Larry Martin in 2002 is dedicated to spreading the message of Hope and Salvation of Jesus Christ through music. Larry Martin retired in 2015 and handed the reins to Dave Crandall. Crandall has a long history in Gospel Music having sung with his brothers for over forty years as The Crandall Brothers. He also served as the lead singer for Reliance Trio in Fresno, CA from 2012-2015. Now he serves as the baritone vocalist and owner of the California Melody Boys. Southern California native Craig Smith joined the group in 2019 after singing with the Kinfolk, Skylight, Sons Of The Shepherd, Reliance, and Freedom Singers. Jon Lincicum (of Visalia,CA) serves as the tenor/lead for this stellar trio. He also has a long history in Gospel Music having founded the Sons Of The Shepherd with his brother Ken Lincicum in 1981. In 2023, he joined the California Melody Boys.
The group’s latest recording A Story To Tell features ten great songs of hope and inspiration done in their unique style. The album opens with the groovy classic “New Born Feeling,” done in a similar arrangement to the version recorded by Legacy Five. “We Are The Band” is a unique, easy-listening style tune that reminds us to be witnesses of His Love in this dark world. Dave Crandall takes the lead on the worshipful “Jesus I Am Resting.” This mid-tempo song praises Christ for His Marvelous Goodness that is lavished on us. I am resting in your Love. Jon Lincicum takes the lead on the jazzy “How About Your Heart,” which encourages listeners to get their hearts right with God for that is what matters most. “Heavenly Love” is an upbeat tune that simply says: Jesus changed me forever! I am overflowing with Heavenly Love! Dave Crandall and Craig Smith take the lead on the classic hymn “Pass Me Not.” The harmonies on this timeless lyric are simply stellar. Craig Smith takes the lead again on the bouncy mid-tempo tune “All Of My Heart,” which praises Christ for His many blessings. There is no other like you! I love you Lord with all of my heart. The groovy “He Will Provide,” originally recorded by the Christian Brothers Quartet, is sure to be a hit at concerts. This fun tune simply says: God will provide for us in His Way and in His Time. I remember first hearing this song on the Daywind All Star Quartets album. Jason Waldroup, Paul Lancaster, Jeff Steele, and Tim Riley were the featured vocalists. It was great to hear this song recorded again here. “It’s You” is a 50’s crooner style tune that simply says: Lord, it’s you that brings light into my life. The group delivers an incredible cover of the powerful “Out of Bondage” which boldly proclaims in Christ, we are free! This great album closes with a reprise of “Pass Me Not.”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
STELLAR HARMONIES, SMOOTH VOCALS, MESSAGE FILLED SONGS AND TOP NOTCH PRODUCTION QUALITY. A STORY TO TELL IS A FANTASTIC COLLECTION OF SONGS THAT IS SURE TO BE A BLESSING TO ALL WHO LISTEN. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING THE CALIFORNIA MELODY BOYS AT GREAT WESTERN FAN FESTIVAL EARLIER THIS MONTH. THEY ARE CLASS ACTS. NOT ONLY ARE THEY TALENTED VOCALISTS, THEY ARE MORE IMPORTANTLY GREAT MEN OF GOD.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “HE WILL PROVIDE,” “HEAVENLY LOVE,” “OUT OF BONDAGE,” AND “WE ARE THE BAND.”
4.5 OUT 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.californiamelodyboys.com
Southern Gospel Spotlight 
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