Rating: 4 stars

Label: Crossroads Music
Website: www.souldoutquartet.com

Song titles: All Things Are Possible; Go Out And Get Them; Since I’ve Been Saved; That’ll Be A Great Day; Worthy The Lamb Is He; If You’ll Just Ask Him; He Is There; When They Had Prayed; What The World Doesn’t Know; Thank You Lord

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If you hadn’t heard of Soul’d Out Quartet before the end of 2011/beginning of 2012, then you certainly have by now. The group hired Kingsmen lead singer Bryan Hutson after the departure of longtime baritone Tanner Stahl, which moved lead singer and group owner Matt Rankin down to that slot. With a new website, two new CDs (this mainline release and a table project that may be reviewed soon), and a new sound, many have looked forward to hearing what the quartet’s first project since signing with a record label.

The best way I can describe the quartet’s sound with this project is this: smooth. Listeners who enjoy a CD that is chock-full of upbeat numbers will not find much to like here. Rather, the group opted for a laid-back approach this time around. Kicking off with a mid-tempo tune about faith called “All Things Are Possible,” no time is wasted in featuring Bryan Hutson, who gets a solo on the second verse. Hutson is also featured on the project’s most unique song, “Since I’ve Been Saved,” a shuffling song that sounds like it was pulled from a 1950s soundtrack. Of all songs to bring to mind, I thought of Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World.” The closing track, “Thank You Lord,” also puts Hutson out front on a slower progressive strong that fits him very well.

Though many of the songs feature the new guy, the other singers do a great job as well. Bass singer Matt Fouch shows why he is among the most underrated basses on the road with his solos on “All Things Are Possible” and “That’ll Be A Great Day.” Tenor Dusty Barrett shines on “Go Out and Get Them,” as well as “If You’ll Just Ask Him,” and Matt Rankin sings the title track, which features some very thought-provoking truths. He also gets the second verse of one of my favorites of the CD, “Worthy The Lamb Is He,” an orchestrated ballad in the vein of one of the quartet’s earlier songs, “He Is My Lamb.”

As I mentioned before, the group’s sound is very smooth now, and that fact is prominent on their ensemble work on tracks like “Go Out And Get Them” and “Thank You Lord.” That does not mean that they have lost anything in the way of singing faster, more “quartety” songs; “That’ll Be A Great Day” and “When They Had Prayed” are evidence of that. The difference of style that was chosen for this project show that this lineup has a versatility that will benefit them greatly in future efforts. My only complaint would be that there seemed to be an imbalance in the number of slower tunes vs. more uptempo fare. Too much slow stuff can start to run together after a while!

If you have not heard Soul’d Out Quartet before, this CD will be a great introduction for you, and people who were already fans of the group will find a lot to like about their new sound. What The World Doesn’t Know receives 4 stars.

On January 6, I was privileged to be able to attend the Soul’d Out Quartet concert in East Bend, NC, hosted by JOY FM and a local group, The Boys. Every Soul’d Out concert I’ve ever been to has been great, but there was an extra level of excitement to this one, as it was the debut concert for the group’s new vocalist, Bryan Hutson. Hutson came from singing lead with The Kingsmen to fill the void left by Tanner Stahl’s departure in December 2011.

The activity center of Enon Baptist Church was filled to capacity, making it one of the biggest crowds I’ve seen for a concert that wasn’t NQC or Gaither related. There were quite a few singers in our genre, past and present, that were in attendance as well; among those spotted were Phil Barker, Darren Osborne, Harold Reed, and Chris Collins.

Bryan Hutson fits the Soul’d Out Quartet like a glove in sound, stage presence, and personality. I also picked up the new Soulace project and a pre-release copy of their upcoming Crossroads debut, What The World Doesn’t Know, and both are really good. But you don’t have to take my word for it about their live sound; see and hear for yourself!

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At long last, the word has finally come out. The “mystery man” that is coming to the group after the departure of Tanner Stahl earlier this month is none other than Kingsmen lead singer Bryan Hutson. Here’s an open letter from Hutson on this move:

I want to thank the many friends that I have made while being involved in Gospel Music as well as Worship Ministry. You have embraced me since I began singing with my brother in “The New Generation” in 1985. I started traveling fulltime with “The Heartland Quartet” in 1993. Your continued support, love and encouragement through both my tenures with “The Kingsmen” is deeply appreciated. In early November, I decided to follow God’s leading and give my resignation with “The Kingsmen.”

January of 2012 will mark a new chapter in my gospel music career. I will be joining one of America’s best new groups, “Soul’d Out Quartet”. In fact, the group was awarded “Horizon Group of The Year” (Favorite New Group) in the Singing News Magazine Fan Awards in 2010. Matt Rankin (lead), Dusty Barrett (tenor), Matt Fouch (bass) and Michael Howard (piano) make up “Soul’d Out Quartet”. I will share lead vocalist duties with Matt Rankin. SOQT is a solid quartet who sings straight ahead Southern Gospel Music with a progressive sound. I’m very excited to see what God has in store for our future! Over the past several years, I have developed a friendship with members of the group. I believe the men of “Soul’d Out” are men of integrity and have a heart for ministry that mirrors my own passion. I know my friends and family will love the music and ministry of “Soul’d Out” as much as I do.

My wife, Yvonne, and I have been seeking God and wise counsel about this decision and feel that this is a door God has opened. The tour schedule for “Soul’d Out” is a better fit for me as a husband and father. This opportunity will also allow us to reach our long term goals as a family.

I joined my all time favorite group “The Kingsmen” in 1996 under the late Eldridge and Greg Fox. The 5 years that I spent learning from the Fox’s, the late Jim Hamill and Ray Reese were some of the best years of my life. Upon returning for my second run with “The Kingsmen” in 2007, we have seen lives changed through our music. I want to thank Ray and Brandon Reese and “The Kingsmen” for allowing me to be a part of the continuing Kingsmen legacy.

I would like to ask for your continued support, encouragement and prayers for my family and both groups. I am looking forward to seeing each of you at upcoming “Soul’d Out Quartet” concerts. Please check our website for upcoming performances: www.souldoutquartet.com

In His Will,
Bryan

Can’t argue with that. Family is often a reason for changes made in a singer’s career, and I am glad that Hutson didn’t beat around the bush in stating that as the reason. I also appreciate that he didn’t simply say, “I want more time with my family.” He was open and transparent and explained the move well. Not that every singer has to live in a glass house, but it’s a refreshing change from the usual cliches. The classiness is also admirable; both the group he is going to and the group he is leaving get equal treatment, and it’s nice to see a singer that is making a move from one quartet to another have good things to say about their former employer.

The Kingsmen have also put out a press release:

From The Kingsmen

Bryan Hutson will be leaving the Kingsmen this December and will be joining Soul’d Out Quartet.

Brandon Reese states, “In November, Bryan came to me and stated that he felt it was time to make a change in his professional career. He also told me that he had been seeking God’s will in an opportunity to stay home more with his family. I commended him for letting the Lord lead in his life. The door opened for Bryan to join Matt Rankin and the rest of Soul’d Out (who are based out of Columbus, OH) and as many of you know is only an hour or 2 from where Bryan grew up in Batesville, IN. Bryan stated to me that joining Soul’d Out is perfect for the long term goals of his family and until then will maintain his residence in Asheville, NC with his wife Yvonne and four children Alexa, Jake, Bailey and Jordan. I, along with the other Kingsmen members, wish to thank Bryan for his two tenures here and his continuing friendship.”

I am planning on seeing Soul’d Out in January, and I am looking forward to hearing how the group’s sound changes with Bryan on board. Hearing Matt Rankin and Bryan Hutson swap parts will be interesting for sure! Be sure to check out the group if they are near you; I have a feeling the future for this quartet is very bright!

Update: Soul’d Out Quartet has also issued a release on the change:

We would like to inform everyone that Tanner will be leaving Sould Out Quartet and will be pursuing other interests. He will be missed by many and SOQT would like to thank Tanner for being part of this ministry for four and a half years. We ask that you pray for Tanner and his family as he is starting a new path. We believe that God has orchestrated this change and we pray that he will continue to bless Tanner as well as SOQT.

Coming the first of 2012, Matt Rankin will be assuming the baritone position and Bryan Hutson, a Kingsmen Quartet icon, will be taking the lead. We are excited that God has placed us together and we look forward to seeing how the Lord blesses the new line up. As always, the heartbeat of the ministry is to reach the lost, encourage the saints, and make a difference in people’s lives.

We will be releasing two new recordings after the first of the year. Coming the first part of January will be a hymns and old songs CD called “Soulace.” Then a brand new CD with all original songs called “What the World Doesn’t Know” at the end of January. We are very excited about both of these projects and we pray they will spiritually affect the lives of those who listen.

After five years as baritone for the Soul’d Out Quartet, Tanner Stahl has announced via Facebook that he is leaving the group. From Tanner:

A couple of months ago, Ashley and I felt led to begin praying the Prayer of Jabez. Things started happening in our lives! We were determined, no matter what happened we were going to trust Him and stick to His plan. God started closing doors He wanted closed and opening doors that He wanted opened. It has been amazing to watch Him work in our lives! One of the doors He closed was Soul’d Out Quartet. The hardest part of this change in our life is saying goodbye to all of the many friends we have gotten to know and love over the last five years. We want to thank you for your love, support, and encouragement— it never went unnoticed and was always greatly appreciated! Wherever He leads, we will go—please continue to pray for us and we will continue to pray for you. God bless you all and Merry Christmas!

I have been a fan of Tanner’s for quite a while. He was present for some of the group’s best years and projects thus far and while it’s sad to see him go, I’m glad that he and his wife are following where God leads. Best of wishes to the Stahls!

As a tribute to him, here’s a video of one of my favorite features of his, and it happens to be one of my favorite songs: “There Is A Fountain.”

Be on the lookout for a press release from the group soon on the departure, as well as an announcement on the new baritone. I have a feeling that 2012 will be a big year for SOQT!

I had the opportunity on Friday night to head over to Buena Vista, VA for the second night of the 8th Annual VA Southern Gospel Jubilee. The event is held every July in Glen Maury Park. The weather was great, so having the event outdoors was a good idea.

There were several pastors and local groups on the program. The event is headed up by Pastor Larry Clark of the Pentecostal Outreach Church, so he opened the event by inviting another pastor to lead in prayer. Then there was some congregational singing, and a local female singer whose name escapes me. The Dills then took the stage and turned in a great set. I wasn’t too familiar with their material (other than one or two songs) but the group impressed me, as it was my first time seeing them. They have some great harmony, and really deserve more recognition in the SG community.

The set included (a rough set list, since I don’t know much of their stuff): Days Of Elijah, Holy of Holies, The Lord’s Prayer (the a cappella harmony was fantastic!), End Of The Beginning (the David Phelps song, great job by Sean Dill), Fight To The Finish, Tired Of Running.

After a little break, another local lady came up to sing. Her vocal style reminded me of that of Vestal Goodman, and she actually got with a family group to sing a Goodman song that was encored at least three times. Soul’d Out Quartet was last group of the night, and they did not disappoint. Their set list included: The Day My Lord Was Raised, We Shall Rise, Bass Medley, Michael Howard piano solo (don’t remember the song), Heaven Medley, How Great Thou Art (piano solo), I’ve Got That Feeling, Jesus Is Coming Soon, Standing On The Rock, Jesus Knows My Need, There Is A Fountain, Ain’t Nobody.

Overall, it was a great night. Both groups sounded great, and if they’re in your area, you’d do well to catch one of their concerts.

This is Horizon Group Of The Year 2009 material, folks. All of the guys are great vocalists, but tenor singer Dusty Barrett (formerly of Crystal River) has the best control over his voice than a lot of tenors these days. That’s quite a range he displays in this video; I don’t think he ever switched to falsetto the whole time. If he did, it was very subtly.

I make my prediction right now; Soul’d Out Quartet will be next year’s Horizon Group. Watch this and the other videos of the group’s current lineup and I think you’ll agree.

Rating: 4 stars

Label: Independent
Producer: Matt Rankin
Website: www.souldoutquartet.com

1. He’s Coming Back Soon – The project opens up with a single that has gotten a lot of play on my local SG radio station. The guys show that they can get the four-part harmony done well. I’ll admit, before I knew who the group was, the opening had me thinking it was The Oak Ridge Boys, with it’s country flavor and low bass singer. Great choice for a single and first track of the album.

2. I Have A Story To Tell – Lead singer Matt Rankin is featured on this track. Another song with a modern country flavor, Rankin delivers it well.

3. Ain’t Nobody – The title track follows in the footsteps of songs such as Brian Free & Assurance’s “Long As I Got King Jesus” and “Jesus Will Pick You Up”, fusing SG with black gospel. Lead singer Rankin is featured again, and I noticed on this track that he could easily pass for a tenor singer, sort of like Bill Shivers. This song should be a hit at concerts. I was impressed with Matt Fouch’s bass notes in the final part.

4. Please Remember Me – Baritone singer Tanner Stahl is featured on this ballad in the first verse, then the feature is handed to Matt Rankin. This song is actually a remake of a track on an earlier Soul’d Out album, Telling The Story, and the vocals sound much better this time around. For example, tenor Dusty Barrett’s vocals sound much more powerful than Brent Hopper’s did on the previous version. I noticed that Matt Rankin’s voice has improved with time as well.

5. There’s A Bigger Blessing – A mid-tempo track that features bass singer Matt Fouch. This guy is quickly becoming one of my favorite young basses in the industry. He shows his capability on this song to not only carry a solo, but also sing some deep bass in an ensemble setting.

6. Heaven Medley – This track features bits of the songs “When We All Get To Heaven,” “I Feel Like Traveling On,” and “Looking For A City.” Dusty Barrett shows some of his higher tenor range on the latter.

7. There Is A Fountain – Baritone Tanner Stahl is featured on another ballad, this time through all the verses. The quartet sings some of the old hymn by the same name near the end.

8. We Shall Rise – This track is another re-vamping of a song from the group’s Telling The Story album. I share the same opinion of this track as I did of the other re-record: the vocals sound much better on this new version.

9. A Wonderful Savior Tenor Dusty Barrett gets a solo feature all the way through on this old hymn. I’ve been a fan of Dusty since his Crystal River days, and he doesn’t disappoint on this track. Very smooth tenor singing, and one of the finest out there today.

10. Joseph Got His Tomb Back – An upbeat song featuring the lead singer. The bass singer’s feature on the second verse is good as well. Very nice perspective in the lyrics, and one of my favorites of the album.

11. Aint’t Nobody (Reprise) – The album closes with an encore of the title track that doesn’t really impress me.

Final Thoughts: This album shows that this quartet is one that is going to be a force to be reckoned with if they continue in the direction they are going now. They have a fine lineup: tenor Dusty Barrett is one of the best in the business, lead singer Matt Rankin is as good a songwriter as he is a singer, baritone Tanner Stahl is a solid vocalist in his own right, and bass singer Matt Fouch reminds me of a cross between Eric Bennett and Richard Sterban. Pianist Michael Howard, who was hired after this project was released, is a talented player as well.

I have listened to every project this group has put out since 2003, and I can honestly say this is one of their best (if not the best) project they’ve released. Be on the lookout for great things from these guys in years to come.

Next review: Legacy Five – God’s Been Good

Just got back yesterday from this year’s NQC, and it was a blast! I could never adequately give a rundown of all the events, but be sure to check out Averyfineline.com, Daniel Mount’s blog, and David Bruce Murray’s blog for some reports.

Also, I took advantage of some great deals, so be looking for these upcoming reviews (in order):
1. Greater Vision – Not Alone
2. Mark Trammell Trio – Always Have A Song
3. Mike LeFevre Quartet – Nothin’ But Good
4. Soul’d Out Quartet – Ain’t Nobody
5. Legacy Five – God’s Been Good
6. Brian Free & Assurance – Timeless Hymns & Classics Volume II

And, since Tribute Quartet won 2008 Horizon Group Of The Year, I’ll be reviewing both of their projects as well.

A guy with the moniker of insider at averyfineline.com is saying that a local, formerly acappella group from Georgia called ChoZen has been chosen (pun intended) to be the new Crystal River. If this is true, they will definitely have an interesting sound.

As far as insider’s comments on the group going under, I’m of the opinion that after Jeremy Lile left to join Brian Free & Assurance, they lost some of their punch. Yes, they were pretty good as a trio, but the double turnover (Jeremy Lile and baritone Jeff Snyder leaving) was a hard blow, I imagine. Now that they have disbanded, Jeremy is with BFA, tenor Dusty Barrett is with Soul’d Out, and former baritone Jeff Snyder is with Mike & Kelly Bowling. Lead Zack McGill and Chris Whitaker are no longer in groups.

From what I gather from insider’s comments, McGill may have actually sold the name to ChoZen. Whether that is the case or not, I don’t know, but I would be thrilled to see Zack take the lead position of the group and make it a quartet once again. Stay tuned on this story.

Just read on the SN forums where Alex Woolard, tenor for Driven Quartet, has left the group to accept a music position at a church. A later post stated that their new tenor had filled in for Steve Ladd in his Anchormen days, but the name escapes me as well.

It’s a real shame when groups experience turnover just when they are starting to get noticed, but if Driven is anything like Tribute or Soul’d Out of recent weeks, they’ll bounce right back from the change.

Be expecting a press release soon.