Rochesters – Following the Leader, CD Review

Oct

2006

Rochesters – Following the Leader

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Producer: Ben Rochester/Becky Matthews
Label: Independent Release
Website: http://www.therochesterfamily.com

As I have made mention many times in various reviews, I am not a huge fan of Bluegrass…though I highly respect the music and the music ministries it encompasses, it just isn’t my cup of tea. But with every rule, there are exceptions, and the Rochesters are an exception. This family, consisting of mom and dad, Joyce & Harold Rochester, along with their children, Ben and Becky and Becky’s husband Scott Matthews, has one of the sweetest blends of any group I know and this recording offers some of their best works.

The bouncy title song, “FOLLOWING THE LEADER” starts things off before slowing down for the reflective “HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN”, which reminds us that “you can live as you please, but you must pay the cost, and the highway to Heaven still goes by the cross.” Just can’t get plainer than that and Ben performs the song flawlessly.

“GOD REMEMBERS CALVARY”, featuring Becky, keeps things in slow mode before the pace picks up with “DON’T IT MAKE YOU WANT TO GO”.

At face value, I will admit the title “PATCHING IT UP” came across quite hokey to me, but listen to the song before you pass judgment. I will admit, the first time I listened to this song I couldn’t help but weep. Becky’s sincere, heartfelt vocals really help convey the great message found in this song.

The uptempo, “GET READY” is a call to everyone to “get ready, for Jesus is coming soon”, while the slower tempo of “SEND THE RAIN” sends the message that true worship is not found in man-made traditions, but our earnest prayer should be “send the rain, send the fire, send the wind, send the Holy Ghost in power…Lord, send the rain.”

The upbeat banjo infested tune, “THE LEAST THAT I CAN DO” is pretty much typical Bluegrass fare and fits the group well before things slow back down for twin fiddles playing harmony in the intro of the song, “I’D STILL WALK WITH JESUS”, which features Ben. The song rehashes a familiar topic, that “ if there was no Heaven for me when I die, I’d still walk with Jesus here in this life.”

The medium tempo “JESUS CAME TO THE RESCUE” is a great testimony in song, while the tune “I’LL STICK WITH THE OLD STUFF” is a proclamation that God’s word is more than sufficient to meet our needs.

The recording closes with the tender, yet striking tune entitled, “JESUS, HOW COULD YOU HAVE LOVED ME SO”. Though the message contained therein is quite simple, it’s one that resonates in your heart and mind long after the song is over.

I said at the beginning, The Rochesters have a very sweet sound and one that is very easy on the ears. Their message though, is very honest and at times, quite piercing. They do their best work with the slower tunes, though they still shine bright with the uptempo songs. Excellent harmony, superb musicianship (Ben played 5 different instruments on this recording) and great lyrical content make this an exceptional piece of work and quite possibly their best recording ever.

Personal Favs: HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN; GOD REMEMBERS CALVARY; PATCHING IT UP; SEND THE RAIN; I’D STILL WALK WITH JESUS; JESUS, HOW COULD YOU HAVE LOVED ME SO

Reader Comments

Wow!! This cd sounds great!! Its been more than 10 years since I have heard you guys. The last time was at my church in Sumter, SC. Although its been long past those "Three Men On the Mountain", "My Rock", and "I'm the One" days, God has shown his continued blessings on your family!! The sound is just as good, if not better as it was those many years ago!! Thanks for being such a blessing to so many people!! And even though I'm not that big on Bluegrass, I've always kept a place in my heart for The Rochesters!! May God Continue To Bless!!

Commented by Kyle On 10/09/2006

This is top to bottom one of the best cds in my opinion ever produced. I know this family personally and know they are genuine. I really didn't expect them to top thier last recording but they seem to keep getting better. Ben is by far my favorite instrumentalist and Becky's voice is nothing short of heavenly. Thanks for blessing our hearts over and over again!

Commented by On 02/01/2007

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