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Producer: Corey Pearson
Label: Independent Release
Website: http://www.floridaboys.com

Heralded as one of the finest bass singers in our day, Gene McDonald, to the delight of his many fans (I, being one of them), has released a solo recording that shows off his diverse vocals. Not many bass singers can pull of a decent solo recording, but Gene does it with such finesse and class, that I dare say that he must be the envy of every bass singer in the industry.

The Statesmen Quartet classic from over 40 years ago, "I'VE GOT THE CORNER TURNED DOWN" starts things off and moves very well into another classic tune, "BEYOND THE SUNSET".

I love the feel of "THERE'S A LIGHT" and the song features some great low notes and is my personal favorite from the recording. Things move to a neat arrangement of the old hymn, "IN TIMES LIKE THESE" before Gene really shows his range and versatility as a singer with a very unique version of the Gaither classic, "BECAUSE HE LIVES".

"THE DEVIL LOST THE BATTLE AGAIN" is a fun song that will probably be one of the songs people will remember most from this recording before things move on as Gene sings the reflective, "IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY".

Originally recorded by Gold City 25 years ago and revived by the group roughly 8 years later, Gene turns in a masterful performance of "UNDER CONTROL" before turning in his rendition of one of my all time favorite classics, "LET THE LOWER LIGHTS BE BURNING". This is also one of the most beautiful harmony songs ever written, and Gene and BGV's pull it off magnificently and the vocal combination sounds as smooth as silk.

Gene turns in another set of floor rattling low notes on the perennial bass classic, "I GOTTA WALK THAT LONESOME ROAD" before turning in a moving rendition of the Stuart Hamblen classic, "HOW BIG IS GOD". Closing out the recording is a commanding performance of the Dottie Rambo classic, "HE LOOKED BEYOND MY FAULTS".

While quite simple in nature, though at times very intricate, the overall quality of the recording is better than average. Though not quite as slick sounding as something from a major label (and there is nothing wrong with that), this is really a great recording.
Featuring an impressive list of BGV's by Bill Shivers, Randy "Scoot" Shelnut, Corey Pearson along with the rest of the Diplomats and Babbie Mason, Gene sounds absolutely superb on each song. On a couple of songs, Gene really shows how low he can go, but on many of these songs he really shows off his vocal range and quality and proves himself to be not only one of the greatest bass singers to ever grace a stage, but also a great singer and artist; kudos Gene, on a job very well done.

Personal Favs: THERE'S A LIGHT; BECAUSE HE LIVES; THE DEVIL LOST THE BATTLE AGAIN; LET THE LOWER LIGHTS BE BURNING; I GOTTA WALK THAT LONESOME ROAD

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