CD Reviews

Oct

2008

Bates Family - This Place

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[5] Comments

RATING:

Producer: Nick Bruno/Tony & Tim Bates Nick Bruno/Tony & Tim Bates Nick Bruno/Tony & Tim Bates
Label: Riversong
Website: http://www.thebatesfamilyministries.com

I first heard this family group at the 2006 National Quartet Convention and they were one of the "unknown" groups I came away from NQC actually remembering from the hundreds (it seemed) that I heard during NQC. Consisting of two brothers, Tim and Tony Bates along with Tim's wife LaDonna, the three have a big sound and they have a couple of wonderful writers in the group with Tim and Tony. The group shows some great potential and they are indeed a group to watch!

The upbeat "NEW MAN" gets things underway before things slow down for "TOMORROW THE MOUNTAIN". LaDonna sings the tender, "CAN YOU SEE ME" before the gears shift musically for the bluegrass/acoustic feel of "I MUST GO". No Southern Gospel recording would be complete without a power ballad, and "KING OF THE HILL" is the token power ballad on this recording before things get kicked back into high gear with "BOARDS AND BROKEN PIECES".

"I WOULD NOT BE DENIED" slows the pace down before shifting gears for the funk feel of "THE REASON I SING" and the up-tempo Southern Gospel sounding "YOU DID IT AGAIN".

The prize of the recording is the title song, "THIS PLACE." Losing my dad a couple of months ago to cancer and seeing my mom pick up the pieces after 52 years of marriage (you have to listen to the song to understand) really made this song real for me and despite my emotional attachment to the song, I dare say that this is the best song on the recording and is their best vocal effort.

A couple of spots throughout the recording found the vocals pitchy, but I think that came from singing too hard at times, as it is very easy to pitch when you over-sing. While the over-singing and the pitches in spots are the main issues for me, they recorded some really good songs, all written in part or in whole by Tony or Tim and they are performed well. I look forward to seeing how this family group progresses over time and witnessing how that untapped potential comes to fruition.

Song List:

(stars denote personal favorites)
1 - New Man
2 - Tomorrow the Mountain
3 - Can You See Me**
4 - I Must Go**
5 - King of the Hill**
6 - Boards and Broken Pieces
7 - I Would not be Denied
8 - The Reason I Sing
9 - You Did it Again
10-This Place**

Reader Comments

The Bates are the sweetest people you will ever want to meet. THEY LIVE WHAT THEY SING....and that is more you can say for alot of Artist.....
This is a wonderful cd....They are some of the best writers in the industry....I am so glad I can call Tony, Tim and LaDonna some of my BEST Friends!!!!!You aint seen the last of this group not by a long shot!!!!!LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH....
BRENDA CORNETT BRASWELL (FORMALLY OF THE FROSTS... NOW A SOLO ARTIST)

Commented by On 10/03/2008

I have known Tony, Tim & LaDonna for about the last 2 years. I met Tony at convention in 2006 and had a chance to write some with him then. Shortly after that I was introduced to his brother Tim and we also began to write a few tunes. I must say that these men of God can forevermore write great material. They have been a blessing to me personally as well. I know that those who get their current release will be blessed and edified. Not only are they gifted writers and singers, but they have awesome hearts for God. I highly recommend their music to you. It magnifies the Lord Jesus and encourages the believer who will take time to listen to the message. God bless you Tony, Tim and LaDonna ... and keep the music coming!

Sincerely,
In Christ ... and so glad I am !!!

Steven Cheney

Commented by Steven Cheney On 10/07/2008

The Bates Family have been blessed with an awesome anointing from God. Their songs minister to the heart. What an honar to be a small part of their ministry. Keep your eye on this group.

Commented by On 10/10/2008

The Bates Family are dear and precious people. LaDonna and Tim went to our church for a while, and I had the privilege of singing with LaDonna in our choir and getting to know her. Such a dear and precious lady! I love you guys and am so thankful of how the Lord has blessed your ministry. Keep the wonderful music coming!

Many blessings to you, LaDonna, Tim and Tony!

Amazed in His presence and humbled by His great love!

“God makes everything happen at the right time.” (In His Time) Eccl. 3:11

Commented by ** On 11/02/2008

I remember these guys when they were called Altar Of Prayer. I still have one of their cassettes. His Majesty Sings! Haven't heard from them in years, glad to see you all back. Maybe you guys can get down here to East Alabama sometime!! Where can I get this new project?

Commented by ** On 11/14/2008

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