SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
LIVING FREE
LIBERTY QUARTET
LABEL: LIBERTY MINISTRIES
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
GROUP MEMBERS: ROYCE MITCHELL (BASS), DORAN RITCHEY (PIANIST/BARITONE), PAUL ELLIS (LEAD), WILL ARASMITH (BARITONE), AND PEYTON OLIVE (TENOR)
SONG LIST: (TITLE/SONGWRITER)
- It’s Time to Go (Doran Ritchey, Rebecca Peck)
- Everything’s Different Now (Dianne Wilkinson, Rebecca Peck)
- Scars and All (Philip Kolb, Marty Funderburk)
- Livin’ in the Presence of Jesus (Doran Ritchey)
- Walk a Little Closer (Doran Ritchey)
- Keep Me Hungry (Doran Ritchey)
- The Beauty of His Grace (Doran Ritchey)
- Sailing Through (Doran Ritchey)
- I Want to Hear It (Rachel McCutcheon, Rodney Griffin)
- Heaven’s Getting Sweeter (Doran Ritchey)
- Think About There (Rodney Griffin, Lee Black)
- Welcome To Heaven (Phil Cross)
THOUGHTS:
For over two decades, Liberty Quartet has been spreading the Gospel in song. Founded in 1995 by bass singer Royce Mitchell, this talented quartet based in the west (Boise, Idaho) is dedicated to making music that impacts our culture for Christ. The quartet travels full time with a schedule that includes events such as the annual Great Western Fan Festival held in Visalia, California.
Mitchell is joined by lead singer Paul Ellis, baritone Will Arasmith, tenor Peyton Olive, and pianist Doran Ritchey. Ritchey also provides baritone vocals occasionally. Ellis rejoined the group in 2014 (having previously served in the group from 2002-2006). He has sung every part in the group except bass. Doran Ritchey rejoined the group in 2022. He is not only a masterful pianist and vocalist, but an incredible songwriter having written many of the group’s hits. Will Arasmith joined the group in 2020 adding his smooth baritone. Twenty year old Peyton Olive is the newest member of the group having joined the group in January of this year. Olive brings a powerful tenor voice to this stellar lineup.
I had the pleasure to meet them and hear them live for the first time at GWFF in Visalia back in May and was thoroughly impressed. They are incredibly kind and the real deal both on and off stage.Since then, I have been highly anticipating this album. I must say it does not disappoint.
This incredible album opens with the driving rhythm of “It’s Time To Go.” Will Arasmith takes the lead on this encouraging tune that simply says: take a leap of faith and watch God’s plan unfold. When He calls, it is time to go! Royce Mitchell’s smooth bass is featured on the groovy “Everything’s Different Now” which tells of God’s transforming power. I am a brand new creation since the day His Salvation turned my life around! So I’m serving Jesus only! “Scars And All” is a powerful ballad that reminds us that God loves us unconditionally. He sees beyond our brokenness. Peyton Olive is, in my opinion, one Southern Gospel Music’s best new talents. At such a young age, he already has such a beautiful tone to his voice and great vocal control. His conviction is evident as well. Paul Ellis takes the lead on the tender ballad “Living In The Presence Of Jesus.” The great lyric tells of a woman who serves Christ and puts her trust in Him fully. Knowing that He never forsakes His own and is faithful, she lives in the presence of Jesus. “Walk A Little Closer,” the first single of the recording, is a fun, big band style tune. Paul Ellis takes the verses while Royce Mitchell’s bass shines on some great step-out lines on the choruses. This song encourages listeners to share the Love of Christ and live what we proclaim. Shine His Light so that others know Him. Take courage and press on in this dark world. “Keep Me Hungry” is another powerful ballad that asks God to make us hungry for a deeper walk with Him. He is our Living Water. He alone satisfies. Doran Ritchey delivers this lyric beautifully. Paul Ellis takes the lead again on “The Beauty Of His Grace” a rousing anthem that says: I’m living free since I believe in the beauty of His Grace. “Sailing Through” is a jazzy, mid-tempo tune featuring Peyton Olive that simply says: God will bring you through whatever trial you may face. I’ll keep sailing through depending on Christ. “I Want To Hear It” is a groovy tune featuring Paul Ellis that says: I want to hear about God’s Goodness and Grace people’s lives. If you’ve been saved, I want to hear it! Stand up and testify! Royce Mitchell takes the lead again on the tender ballad “Heaven’s Getting Sweeter” which looks to Heaven where we will reunite with loved ones we’ve lost. “Think About There,” featuring Will Arasmith, is a fun, up-tempo tune that encourages listeners to think about the things above. Instead of fretting about the things of this world, set your mind on Heaven and the Glory that is to come. The album closes with a powerful ballad entitled “Welcome To Heaven” This incredible song featuring Royce Mitchell and Paul Ellis looks to the day when the Savior will welcome us into Heaven. Nothing will compare to the moment we hear: “Well Done, my child. Welcome to Heaven.”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
LIVING FREE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE ALBUMS OF THE YEAR SO FAR. IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, THIS IS LIBERTY QUARTET’S BEST ALBUM TO DATE. WELL CRAFTED, BIBLICAL SONGS, STELLAR VOCALS, AND TOP NOTCH MUSICIANSHIP. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “EVERYTHING’S DIFFERENT NOW,” “WELCOME TO HEAVEN,” “SCARS AND ALL,” “I WANT TO HEAR IT,” “WALK A LITTLE CLOSER,” AND “KEEP ME HUNGRY.”
GO GET THE CD ASAP!
5 OUT 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.libertyquartet.com
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