Producer: Robb Tripp
Label: Independent Release
Website: www.doubleportionnc.com
I have never been one who followed local or regional groups. Many aren’t very original and aren’t that good. One of the few that I do follow is Double Portion from Belhaven, North Carolina. Consisting of Jay Wilkins, Jennifer Taylor and Paula Sherman, this mixed trio has an original sound and sings a lot of original material either written by the group or family friends. The original songs are great and they put their own spin on cover tunes. They have a big sound and rely on power harmony a lot, and it works for them. This latest release features 6 original tunes and the other 4 are obscure tunes or covers done in their own unique style.
The recording starts off with a classic Walt Mills favorite from the 1970s titled, “THE JOURNEY GET’S SWEETER EVERYDAY” (aka-“I’m on my Way to Heaven”) and the group puts a bluegrass/acoustical spin on the song and makes for easy listening before slowing down for the country feel of “ALMOST HOME”.
Jennifer Taylor does a great job singing her self-penned song of praise, “I WANT TO LOVE YOU” before then pace gets kicked back up for the Pentecostal flavor of “I’M TAKING IT BACK” before slipping into a nice country groove for the comforting, “THANK YOU SHEPHERD”, penned by Paula Sherman and featuring an excellent performance by Jennifer. “New-grass” sounds abound for the title song, “FAITHFUL” before the pace picks back up for the Southern Gospel favorite, “RUNNING MY LAST MILE HOME”, which features Jay Wilkins.
The pace slows back down the reflective, “WITHOUT YOU” before Jay steps up to sing the happy tune, “IT’S COMING SOON”, which features an appropriate bridge of the Laverne Tripp classic, “He’s Coming Soon”. The recording closes out with the thoughtful, “HE BROUGHT ME THROUGH”, which features Jennifer.
What I love about Double Portion is they have an identifiable sound, are able to find great songs and they sing with passion. They also make sure the music they put out is of excellent quality. Would I consider them the greatest singers to ever walk on stage? No. But they possess something speaks to me personally and they do sing very well, by the way. They sing with the same vigor as some of our great legendary groups such as the Happy Goodman Family, Hinsons, Rambos, etc., and those who identify with that style of singing will thoroughly enjoy Double Portion. If you’ve never become acquainted with them, check them out!
1 – The Journey Get’s Sweeter Everyday**
2 – Almost Home**
3 – I Want to Love You**
4 – I’m Taking it Back
5 – Thank You Shepherd**
6 – Faithful
7 – Running my Last Mile Home
8 – Without You
9 – It’s Coming Soon**
10-He Brought Me Through
