It wasn't too long ago that the Ball Brothers began to be the talk of the Southern Gospel town. This group of brothers - with their strong vocals and eye catching good looks - began turning heads of some heavy hitting industry veterans. The group was fortunate enough to land a gig opening for mainstays like Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and The Martins before hitting the road themselves.
Song Garden Music Group recently scooped the group up to a recording contract and are now releasing the group's latest recording - Breakthrough. The album was produced by Darren Rust and Jason Webb and features songs from prolific writers such as Kenna West, David Staton, Terry Franklin, Tony Wood, Kevin Stokes, Dianne Wilkinson, and others.
Upon first listen to Breakthrough - the Ball Brothers recall the likes of more progressive Southern quartets like Priority (formerly Mike LeFevre Quartet) and Brian Free & Assurance - probably due to the influence of Jason Webb (who produced the Mike LeFevre Quartet's release Nothin' But Good). The album kicks off with an impressive vocal arrangement on the jazz-infused "Everyday, Every Hour." "It's About the Cross" immediately recalls the power ballads of Brian Free & Assurance, while "Glimpse of Your Glory" is not unlike something that the Booth Brothers would record.
The group covers two Scott Krippayne (a popular Inspirational/Christian pop vocalist) covers back-to-back - "Tell It Like It Is" (which recalls 90's era Gaither Vocal Band or The Imperials) and "Sometimes He Calms the Storm". The group also covers NewSong's "He Did What I Couldn't Do" - which definitely shows that pop group's influence on the Ball Brothers.
"Forgiven" shows the guys tackling a bit of a more country flair thanks to the songwriting prowess of Dave Williford. The album closes with the tender ballad "I'll Do Anything" - which is a nice way to close the record and would be a great single for the guys.
Fans of traditional Southern Gospel probably won't find much to like on this disc as it's a progressive release through and through. With a group of four young men - this type of music shouldn't be unexpected, and the Ball Brothers do a great job on it. Breakthrough could do exactly what the album says - break these guys to the next level.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 09/02/2009
| 
Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 4
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Once again, pretty downright unfair.
When are people going to realize that 3 1/2 stars is a GOOD rating. Anything ABOVE 3 stars is a good rating.
I don't care how "good" a 3, 1/2 star rating is because other artists such as the Perrys pick up 5 star ratings...3 soloists picked up just as good or BETTER ratings this month, including an unknown artist not on a label like Daywind.
I don't understand what the Perrys and 3 soloists getting the same rating or better has anything to do with the BALL BROTHERS' current recording receiving 3 1/2 stars. This recording is based on the BALL BROTHERS only - I'm not comparing them to anyone else - just the merits of THIS PARTICULAR recording. The Perrys received 5 stars because they put out a 5 star recording. Those soloists received those ratings because those recordings deserved them. Period.
Did you read the review or are you just looking at the star rating? Because I was more than kind to the group in the review. Not every album released is going to be 5 star worthy - I don't care how big of a fan you are of any particular group. In THIS reviewers opinion - this recording was worthy of 3 1/2 stars. That's what a review is after all - one person's take on an album.
And I'm really confused as to why Daywind was brought up in a Ball Brothers review (they are with Song Garden).
As far as I'm concerned - I've spoken my peace and given the review the rating I thought it deserved. If you don't like that - that's fine. We can discuss it further in email if you'd like. You can email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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