Rating: 4 stars

Producer: David Staton
Label: Song Garden Music Group
Website: www.dixiemelodyboys.com

Song titles: Jesus In My Boat; Bottom Of The Basket; Too Much Thunder; His Blood Alone; There’s Joy In Serving Jesus; God Will Hear Your Prayer; Good Ole Boys; That’s Why I Sing Gospel Music; Go To The Well; The Call Is Still The Same; Gotta Get The Good News Out; I’ve Got Family There

The Dixie Melody Boys is a name with which many Southern Gospel fans will be familiar in some capacity. Now in their 50th year of singing and ministering, the group has seen so many singers go through its ranks that it has been dubbed the “Ed O’Neal University,” its namesake being longtime bass singer and group owner Ed O’Neal. The group has recorded a special project for this milestone in their history, and it also marks two firsts for them: it is their first major project under the Song Garden Music Group, and also their first since the addition of Matt Felts on tenor after Jonathan Price’s move to the Dove Brothers.

Thankfully, this Anniversary project doesn’t go the expected route of just re-recording their hits over the years with the current lineup or with past members as guests. In fact, even though there are guest singers on some songs, all but two of the tracks here are new to the group. The two re-recorded songs are taken from their DMB Band era, when they forayed into a more Country-band type of group. Both of these feature guests; baritone Allen O’Neal, who was featured on the original cut of “Too Much Thunder,” comes back to sing the first verse, and DMB alumni Harold Reed and McCray Dove each get a turn on the second verse. Kent Humphrey was the lead singer for the DMB Band when “Good Ole Boys” was originally recorded, so it’s nice to hear his voice on the re-cut version. I was glad to hear that this arrangement of the song was closer to the original, rather than the version that was released on the DMB’s Vintage project in 2002. Other guest performances from past members include Devin McGlamery and Ernie Haase on the project opener, a new song called “Jesus In My Boat,” and Rodney Griffin on “The Call Is Still The Same.” Jason Crabb supplies his voice on “God Will Hear Your Prayer” and Ben Speer shows up on “I’ve Got Family There,” though neither were never with the group.

As a whole, this project is a breath of fresh air for the Dixie Melody Boys. This is easily the strongest sound and selection of songs that they have had in quite a while. Matt Felts on tenor gives the group a unique and more powerful sound than they are used to, and he in particular really shines on his features, such as the title track and “That’s Why I Sing Gospel Music,” a song taken from the LeFevre Quartet’s debut project and written by producer David Staton. Lead Donald Morris gets several good features on the project as well, such as “Bottom Of The Basket,” which he wrote. Baritone Steven Cooper carries “His Blood Alone,” a ballad about Christ’s blood being our only atonement, and one of the project’s strongest tracks. Ed O’Neal turns in a heartfelt performance on a song that seems tailored to his voice and delivery style, “I’ve Got Family There.”

The CD comes with a DVD entitled The Making of The Call Is Still The Same, but the title is somewhat misleading; it features very little studio footage or the work that went into recording the songs. Instead, it consists of radio interviews with the group and a couple interviews conducted by Les Butler with Ed O’Neal and David Staton at Hilltop Recording Studio, interspersed with facts about each member while song clips from the project play.

In short, long-time fans of the Dixie Melody Boys, and even those who have nothing of theirs yet, will want to purchase this project, as it is probably their best effort in recent memory. The Call Is Still The Same receives 4 stars.

• From a press release by the Dixie Melody Boys, their 50th Anniversary album is now complete:

Dixie Melody Boys Finish Historic Album

The Dixie Melody Boys were recently in Nashville finishing work on their 50th Anniversary album, “The Call Is Still The Same”. The monumental project is a long time in the making. “It’s been nearly ten years since we have done a project of this scale. It will be a milestone for the Dixie Melody Boys. “said Ed O’Neal, Hall Of Fame bass singer and owner. To honor the history of this legendary group, they have included two previous DMB songs on the album. The rest of the project includes new material written by Gospel musics top writers including Daryl Williams, Marty Funderburk, Greg Day and Rodney Griffen. The album also boasts two songs written by lead singer Donald Morris. The new album highlights the current groups new direction and sound. “We are excited to blend our traditional Southern Gospel roots with a fresh approach reminisant of the DMB Band era.” stated Donald Morris.

The Dixie Melody Boys will be joined on this historic album by many former DMB Alumni as well as a few friends. “When we started working on this, so many of our friends wanted to be involved. It evolved from there into having them lend their talents on several of the songs. It will truly be a special event for us.” said tenor Matt Felts. Jason Crabb, Ernie Haase, Ben Speer, McCray Dove, Rodney Griffen and Harold Reed are just a few of the guests appearing. This will be the debut album for the group since signing with Song Garden Music Group earlier this year. A release date of July 1st has been set. A “CD Release Event” will be announced soon. For more information on the new album or where you can purchase a copy of this years must have album, go to www.dixiemelodyboys.com or to www.songgardenmusicgroup.com.

If you’re going to celebrate such a monumental event in a group’s career, that’s the way to do it; bring in a lot of the more well-known alumni to sing on the project. It is interesting to note that this will not only mark the group’s 50th year of ministry, but it will also be tenor Matt Felts’ first recording with them. All in all, it is shaping up to be a project well worth the purchase

• Speaking of the Dixie Melody Boys, it’s looking like they will be at NQC after all. In the first Singing News Showcase (the “straw poll” for the Fan Awards), the group will appear with both current members and alumni to celebrate their anniversary. It will be interesting to see exactly who will be on the stage among the alumni (the Ed O’Neal University has many graduates!)
• Statement of Faith Trio has reorganized as Promise. Lead Joe Kitson and David Mann, along with TJ Evans starting in June, will make up the new group. Mann’s wife Jael will be filling in on tenor until Evans can join. Tenor Jacob Kitson’s plans are to be announced, so be looking for more on this story next week.

1. Doug Oldham Passes Away at age 79 Growing up in Bedford, VA, which is a small town outside of Lynchburg, I was very familiar with Oldham’s work at Thomas Road Baptist Church and in other areas as well. Last week, he was awaiting surgery for a broken spine sustained in a serious fall, and passed away peacefully early on the morning of July 21. The funeral is today; a final dose of the reality that another legend has gone home. Here’s one of my favorite clips of Doug from the Gaither Homecoming series:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGgyrGUA5SM

2. Matt Felts Joins Perfect Heart In a press release from the group:

One of Southern Gospel’s most beloved groups, Perfect Heart, is delighted to announce that Matt Felts has joined the group as their new tenor. “Matt has proven himself to be a premier talent in Southern Gospel but more importantly his deep desire to see God’s kingdom grow line up perfectly with our group’s main goal. Matt is a wonderful addition to our family and we look forward to all that he brings to us.” stated Mike Presnell, Legendary bass for Perfect Heart.

Matt is well known to the fans of Southern Gospel, singing for groups such as Monument Quartet and the Skyline Boys. As a member of Monument, Matt gained fans both in the Gospel and country music world through their numerous live and television appearances.

“It is an incredible honor to join a legendary group like Perfect Heart. They were the very first live concert I ever attended and I’ve always been a fan of Mike’s. Though they have a rich tradition, I am more excited about all that God has in store for us. There are so many great things coming and I can’t wait to see the fans of this group as I hit the road with them.” said matt Felts. Matt has already began touring with Perfect Heart.

Perfect Heart currently can be heard on the radio with their chart hit “Glory Waves”. Fans can see this incredible new lineup at the Showcase Spectacular on Monday at the National Quartet Convention. To learn more about Perfect Heart, fans can go to their official website at www.perfectheartqt.com

I’m interested to hear how Matt will affect their sound. The new Perfect Heart is a good quartet already, and adding a tenor like Felts will only improve them. For those unfamiliar with him, here is a clip of him with Monument Quartet singing the tenor standard, “Hide Thou Me.”

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqSB5REVlls