It's been three long years since we've been treated to a new Jeff & Sheri Easter CD. The group's last CD - Life Is Great & Getting Better was an album that showcased songs that showed where the family group was at that time. Jeff & Sheri welcomed baby Maura into the world, and all seemed to be going well.
However, a lot has changed in 3 years. Sheri has since battled breast cancer - and come through with a smile on her face and a song in her heart. Expecting Good Things is an album that showcases where the group is now - hopeful, thankful, and excited about the future. In addition, this is the first recording for the popular trio since Charlotte Ritchie's departure and Morgan Easter's stepping in as the new soprano.
There's a lot of typical Jeff & Sheri to be found on the disc - but even then, things seem to just flow together better this time around. "The Sun Will Shine Again" (previously recorded by Mercy's Well and Jim Brady) gets a nice pop/country treatment, while "I Know I Love You" has a traditional country sound that Sheri sounds fantastic on.
"Born to Climb" - the first single and now #1 hit - is another song that fits well in the Jeff & Sheri catalog. "Workin' a Road" is an energetic bluegrass number that features special guests Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, and Eddie Stubbs. Jeff Easter pulls off a charming vocal performance on the classic country style of "Expecting Good Things."
Jeff & Sheri Easter also tackle a few different styles this time around - expanding the horizon of the group a bit. "Time For Me to Fly" is a Jonas Brothers original that fits well in the Gospel music landscape and is a great platform for Morgan Easter to show how much she's developed as a soprano. The lyrics have a literal meaning for Madison, and it's great to hear her sing about her own experience like this. "Over the Mountain" features a more bluesy, country feel, and Sheri shows off her impressive vocal interpretation here. Their cover of Blue County's "I Get To" (also recently covered by Three Bridges) is a fantastic cut that the group does exceptionally well.
The best track on the recording is by far "Love Remains" - a beautiful tune with pop and British musical influences. Sheri still sounds like Sheri here - but there's no denying that her vocals were taken to a whole new level with the build and climax of the instrumental track. "Hear My Heart" is another highlight - with Sheri pouring her heart and soul out. Her expression of her own doubts and fears in this song is a personal prayer that Sheri has so richly shared with the rest of us.
As great as the recording is musically - the real triumph of this release is Sheri's gut wrenching honesty in her songwriting. No doubt inspired by her recent battle with Cancer - these songs are fresh, real, and honest - digging deeper into the depth of human emotions than typical Southern Gospel songwriting. Songs like "Over the Mountain," "I Don't Wanna Cry" and "Hear My Heart" are easily some of Sheri's most prolific songs to date. Other songwriters who make appearances on the disc are Jim Brady, Tony Wood, Barry Weeks, Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey, and many more great writers.
There's just a whole lot to like on this release. It's not only a great piece of musical history for the popular family group - but it's just great to see the group sound so triumphant and rejoicing in the fact that though things seemed devastating for their future - the sun did shine again, and now they are Expecting Good Things.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 03/01/2010
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Category: Reviews
Comments: 2
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Jeff, Sheri, Morgan, and Madison are all exceptionally talented and blessed and that's no new news to anyone.
Jeff & Sheri have also been involved in other projects, like the historic recordings of them with their families, The Easter Brothers and The Lewis Family: "We Are Family" and "Mayberry Live". Plus their "Live at Oak Tree" project. The dvd's from all 3 of these projects have some unique and tender moments that are "must see" for any fan.
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