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Producer: Arthur Rice
Label: Independent Release
Website: www.crystalriveronline.net

During the last few months, I have heard quite a bit of buzz about this young male quartet from Tennessee called the Crystal River Quartet. So being the nosy individual that I am, I inquired about the group and got this CD. I have found out in the past, that sometimes the buzz doesn't quite measure up to the talent being offered, but that is not the case with this group. Yes, there are some flaws (hey…they haven't been out here that long) but there is a TON of talent and potential with these guys. I really like this CD and think it is great to see four young guys who seemingly enjoy singing traditional male quartet harmony and can do it well.

Classic quartet sounds abound for the traditional sounding, “I'VE GOT THAT FEELING” which really shows that these guys can tote the mail when it comes to singing the more traditional style. Things move on to the modern Southern Gospel sounding title song, “FOR THE FIRST TIME” and then quickly move on to the uptempo “SAILING”, which is another good Southern Gospel quartet song.

The guys slow down for a beautiful rendition of the old song, “WHEN I THANK HIM” which features an outstanding performance by their bass singer, Jeremy Lile. I am very impressed with this guy. Though not the traditional looking Southern Gospel quartet singer, he has an excellent and pleasing bass register and he doesn't over-sing. He reminds me a lot of Paul David Kennamer, Jr. of Valor, but with less vocal acrobatics.

Showing how brave these young guys are, they tackled an energetic Kingsmen arrangement on the song, “ONE WAY TRIP” and though it's not quite as clean sounding as the Kingsmen's rendition, they do very well with the song, as well as another Kingsmen cover tune, “IF IT'S THY WILL, I WILL”.

“IF HE HADN'T COME DOWN” penned by Rodney Griffin and Tim Lovelace showcases the more traditional side of the group (ie-Kingsmen or Palmetto State Quartet), while “AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL” showcases a more modern quartet sound (ie-Gold City).

Recently recorded by the Perrys, the guys sings the Rodney Griffin penned, “I AM THE WATER”. It doesn't have the same punch as the Perrys version and they basically just sing the song, instead of convincing me to believe what they are singing about. (Does that make sense? But they do a good job.

Closing out the recording is a very unique acapella performance of the classic hymn, “THE OLD RUGGED CROSS” . (Love how the bass bottoms out on the harmony… Tim Riley would be proud!)

I predict that the Crystal River Quartet will be a name we will be hearing more and more from as time goes on. They definitely show above average abilities and have a solid sound and a ton of potential. With the right elements, these guys will go very far in the industry.

Personal Favs: I'VE GOT THAT FEELING; FOR THE FIRST TIME; WHEN I THANK HIM; ONE WAY TRIP; IF HE HADN'T COME DOWN

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