Dills - Uncommon, CD Review - SoGospelNews.com

Oct

2007

Dills - Uncommon

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Producer: Kevin Ward
Label: Brookfield Music Group
Website: http://www.thedills.net

Since the first time I heard their music, I've been a huge fan of the Dills. I predict these guys will make a huge splash in this industry, for not just their music (which stands on its own merit), but also for their spirit because these guys are the real deal. These 4 individuals are not only loaded with tons of talent as a collective, but also as individuals, as each individual brings passionate vocals and unique qualities to the table. If you've not yet heard these guys, now is the time.

The progressive "I WILL GO THE DISTANCE", featuring Shawn, starts things off and leads into the uptempo, guitar infested, "FIGHT TO THE FINISH", which features Bridget. The tempo then slows down for Tim's commanding performance on the thought provoking, "I CARRIED HIS CROSS", before picking the pace back up as LeeAnn is featured next singing, "TO WORSHIP YOU".

Shawn kicks the mid way point off with the power ballad, "THE CLOSER I GET TO THE CROSS" before Tim turns in his rendition of "THE SOUND OF HIS VOICE", which had previously been recorded by the Hoskins Family about 4 years ago. Bridget takes the encore of the song and then continues on as she sings the title song, "UNCOMMON", which fit Bridget like a glove.

The uptempo "WONDER WORKING POWER" (also recently recorded by the Crist Family) and "GOD WILL GO" (I can't help but think that radio would just eat this song up!) finish out the recording on a positive, uplifting note.

Even though the title of this recording is named after a song, it aptly describes the music of the Dills; as these guys are an uncommon find, and a rare gem. Even though I thought they sounded great on their previous works, musically this is definitely a step up for the Dills. Only a couple of gripes.one is the lack of songs. With only 9 songs, and a total running time of slightly over 32 minutes, I felt cheated, and I think the majority of the buying public may feel the same. Also, I was really looking for another "Jesus Never Fails" or "I am Redeemed", but none were to be found. Other than that, this is a top notch recording by one of Southern Gospel Music's brightest talents, and a wonderful collaboration between the Dills and producer, Kevin Ward.

Song titles: (stars denote personal favorites)
1 - I Will Go the Distance
2 - Fight to the Finish**
3 - I Carried His Cross**
4 - To Worship You
5 - The Closer I Get to the Cross
6 - The Sound of His Voice**
7 - Uncommon**
8 - Wonder Working Power
9 - God Will Go**

Reader Comments

Have you heard this group live? They are super nice people, but there talent level is that of local church singers...remember, studios can work wonders with new software...but trust me...my ears don't lie. Perhaps some groups should know their place in this business..and stay in church...

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/16/2007

I have heard them in person, and they sounded great. I do agree...not everyone needs to try to be professionals and should stay in their local group (that in itself is an awesome ministry)...but the Dills can definitely tote the mail, in my opinion.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/16/2007

I meant to say local CHURCH, not local GROUP...sorry!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/16/2007

Jason,
I know we could not have heard the same group! I have heard them live on several occasions and let me tell you, they are in the relm of any National Group I've heard. Their talent is beyond merit! I am probably one of the most critical people you will ever meet about certain groups needing to stay in their own church to sing but I go out of my way to hear this group every time they are around. They have the diversity of The Martins. They can sing any style of music and are professional enough to adjust that style to meet the preferences of whatever audience they sing too. I heard them the first time in a showcase about four years ago at NQC and was so impressed that I bought their CD just so I could bring it back to my friend James Hales to hear them. I told him then, remember this name, you will be hearing about this group.
I can't even comment on this particular project, because I don't have it, I am only commenting on their LIVE sound and I know what I hear and The Dills are top notch as far as I'm concerned. They are also one of the sweetest bunch of people you will ever want to meet.

I'm going to try and get off of my soap box now.........................................
............................................
...........................................

Ok Tim, you can pay me now...... <grin> (This part was only a joke. Tim probably doesn't even know who I am.)

Karen \o/

http://www.yielded-ministries.com

“Let the keyboard of my heart be touched by the Master’s hand”

When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.

Commented by Karen_ptl On 10/16/2007

I hope no one take my comments as trying to be demeaning, or downgrading... thats not the light I'm trying to shine here... I do have the cd...I have heard them in concert. They have weak vocals on stage, sloppy stage presence, pitch problems, and issues modulating into key changes... for me, its like watching a group mimic the Martins, the Hoppers, ETC...There are church groups that I have heard that are better vocalist. I'm sure, or at least I hope, that they improve greatly, and find someone to sort out their performance issues for them. To me, they are just another group trying to "make it". Now, I'm all about the little man, and supporting the underdog...but that underdog needs to have something that the other groups have, or even better, or else they are going to be just another group for this industry to feed and try and take care of. I'm sure all of you will bash me for my comments,lol, but this comes from a vocal coach, and professional entertainer who has seen thousands of groups across this country. Remember, having a cool look, a good quality cd, a new bus, and plenty of money doesn't merit respect from this industry or the fans. Talent speaks first and formost.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/17/2007

When you say that a group has weak vocals on stage, sloppy stage presence, pitch problems, and issues modulation into key changes, how can you say you are not trying to be demeaning or downgrading? If that's not the light you are trying to shine, why would you say downgrading and demeaning things? Since you brought up that you are are a vocal coach coach and professional entertainer (like this makes you an authority on the subject), I would like to know your credentials. Where do you entertain professionally. How did you become a vocal coach? Where do you coach vocals?

How many times have you heard The Dills live? When did you hear them? "If" you heard what you say you did, they must have been having a really off night/day or someone must have been sick because as I said, I've heard them on many occasions and they were nothing but professional sounding with NO pitch problems, NO weak vocals for SURE, and NO issues modulating into key changes. When I heard them, I had no idea if they had a quality Cd, a new bus or plenty of money and as far as a cool look goes, I'm from the old school and much prefer the "old school" look so a cool look certainly isn't impressive to me. I went on the merits of what I "heard" and that year, they were the group who was the most impressive to me in the showcases of "unknown" groups. Just as in 1998, "The Crabb Family" was the most impressive to me, in the showcases of unknown groups.

Karen \o/

http://www.yielded-ministries.com

“Let the keyboard of my heart be touched by the Master’s hand”

When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.

Commented by Karen_ptl On 10/17/2007

I'll tell you one thing the Dills do have that Jason hasn't bothered to share. Besides being extremely talented, they have a heart for the Lord. I am a pastor, so hopefully I know that of which I speak. We've had them in our church and association a couple of times. Many groups of their calibur want a huge sum of money just to make an appearance. The Dills only ask for what the church(es) can provide. They trust God to supply the rest. That kind of commitment is hard to find among so-called "Christian leaders" these days. Jason, if you don't think their talent is where it needs to be, perhaps you will consider praying that God will give them even greater talent and more open doors through which they might share the Gospel. Personally, I'd much rather have some folks ministering in my church or town who are faithful, rather than simply professional. In the Dills, one will be blessed to find both qualities.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/17/2007

I love the Dills and their new CD Uncommon. I have only been fortunate enough to see them perform live twice. But both performances were AWESOME! I couldn't say a bad thing about any of them, their songs, or their performances. I can't wait for them to come back to our Church or close enough so that I can see them again. All of their songs are so uplifting. They do know their place in this business and they will continue to go no where but up.up.up...The Lord is with them when they perform! :o)

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/17/2007

I can't believe what I have read here. I have know 3 out of 4 of these group members since their EARLY teen years. They have grown and reached a level that most only dream of attaining. They are all multi-talented and genuine. Their voices are strong and the personal range of each singer is impeccable. Above all that, they love the Lord and are willing to go where He sends them and serve Him in whatever capacity He sees fit. If one here happens to be more talented, perhaps when that person sees the Dills in person, he could offer constructive advice in person rather than leaving demeaning remarks. God has truly used these kids over the years. We need to pray for God's continued guidance in their ministry and His protective hand on them as they travel.

As for the money and the bus, what they have they have worked for. I know from which they came and they were not born with a silver spoon in their mouth. We have traveled to many of the same little country churches throughout this state and I can tell you this. Whether they are in the most rural area one could imagine or singing in Carnegie Hall, they give God their all and the spirit in their services is very real. For any in doubt, worship and visit with the Dills yourself and make your own decision.

I feel confident you will walk away blessed and glad to have made their acquaintance.

God's grace to all.
Vanessa

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/17/2007

See what I mean? SG will take in anyone, because its a "not lets hurt anyone's feelings" kind of music. Maw and Paw and baby can get on stage and be loved. Thats why no one takes sg music seriously. I only pointed out the improvements that could be made. We all know that they are super nice folks... Yes, I have heard them many times... But they are overall, a weak group, talent wise. If they were to come to me and ask me what I thought, which they haven't, I would tell them exactly what I have said here. There is a place for every group... Todd, these guys work great in a church... they bring ministry and great songs to a congregation...but thats their limit. They don't belong on NQC main stage, or on SG radio. They could get along with a van and trailer, and save their money. Like Nick Bruno said in his collumn... deep down inside...most of these groups have stars in their eyes, and I'll add this bit...they hide it with a ministry concept, and don't even realize it. Karen, I'm sorry if I have offended you... I'm only stating the obvious... I'm not the only "Industry Insider" who feels this way about this group, and others. We are over-saturated with these groups popping up all around us. If a group has a professional talent level, and are truly ministry minded, then we have no problem helping them, and giving them the respect that the deserve. Take Hopes Call...they started out on the bottom, but have worked on their talent, and improved in so many areas...now...they are on mainstage, and are a nationally known group who deserves the respect and the attention that they have recieved. I never said that the Dills couldn't reach this point...I just think they need to get some help to reach those goals, before they try and break into a crowded industry. As far as my credentials...I have been singing and traveling inside this industry for quite some time now, and use Jason Cotter as a pen name. Now, don't start the whole hiding behind a fake name stuff...lol...its my choice to do this... Now, to side with the Dills...they are great people with heart for lost people... they are very down to earth, and seem sincere... remember, unfortunatly, this industry is all about fan favs...not about talent level, or professionalism...and this group generates fans...thats great for them, but not so great for the music... but in the end...the talent will speak for itself. As for their cd... Kevin Ward did a great job with the tuning software...and producing their vocals to get a nice tight sound from them... I hope I have explained my opinion without coming across the wrong way...

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/17/2007

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