Reviews

REVIEW: Miles Pike – A Quartet Rhapsody

Producer: Tommy Cooper
Record Label: Independent Release
Website: www.milespikemusic.com

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In the music world, artists offer a variety of styles; however, they typically adhere to a certain standard. In the solo field, Miles Pike makes an exception. With his new album, Quartet Rhapsody/Casserole, Miles breaks from the norm to offer listeners a blend of traditional tunes and modern styles with a twist. Basically, listeners can expect the unexpected.

While many soloists rely on backing vocals from a variety of studio singers, Miles Pike creates a quartet sound by singing all 4 parts. Although the styles are quite diverse, Miles Pike’s more traditional sounds show a harmony in a way that no one would know he was singing all parts. This is most notable on “I Am Free” and “Hold On Brother.” In addition to the traditional stylings, Pike delivers well in the blues/big band style with tunes like “I Want to Get Closer” and “Traveling Shoes.”

As the listener travel through Quartet Rhapsody, the variety includes more traditional quartet singing than various vocal styles. Although there are moments of departure from the norm, the more traditional elements stand out as stronger. Pacing and unusual phrasing (“screen door on a submarine”) will most likely cause listeners to skip through for something more typical. I admire the efforts Miles Pike put into Quartet Rhapsody, and I’m sure there is a group of people eager to have their hands on the project. However, focusing on the more traditional elements of the recording may prove to attract new listeners over time. While some elements are a bit stretched, Pike uses his vocal range to offer listeners a unique ride throughout the project.

Track Listing:

Hold On Brother
Trouble
Screendoor
It’s Just Like Heaven
I Am Free
When I Got Saved
Mama Sang Bass
Keep In The Middle Of The Road
I Want to Get Closer
Heaven Now Is Waiting
Traveling Shoes
City Of Doom
The Reckoning
The Look
I Don’t Wanna Live No More Without Jesus

READER RATING:

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Andrew Stephens

Andrew hails from Anderson, SC and has lived here all 25 years of his life. As a child, he attended concerts in the area and instantly became hooked on the concept of Southern Gospel music. His music collection has expanded to over 1,000 artist recordings as well as several compilations (including record label & radio promotions comps). For a couple of years or so, Andrew hosted a blog, "Southern Gospel Review", and did articles ranging from specialty (Hits of the Past), album reviews (CD, DVD, & Vinyl), and other interesting tidbits (recording oddities, etc.).
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