In traditions like
Southern gospel
, change comes slowly if at all, and to its hardcore fans, this is a good thing. There is little likelihood, for instance, that one will notice any stylistic differences between
Paul Williams & the Victory Trio
's 2007 album,
Where No One Stands Alone
, and one recorded years previously. The same template --
bluegrass
-styled arrangements, lyrics immersed in Christian theology, and fine three-part (and occasionally four-part) harmony -- creates a familiar
sound. Each new
Williams
album, then, is an occasion to listen to another set of songs performed by one of the best
gospel
groups in the business.
brings his distinct high lead to bear on songs like the upbeat
"The Other Side of Jordan"
and even snappier
"A Long Time Ago."
Lead guitarist
Rodney Worley
's baritone serves as
' perfect counterpart, while rhythm guitarist
Kelly McCord
's low tenor fills the middle ground to complete the group's vocal approach.
The Victory Trio
's sound is filled out by banjoist
Kevin Bowen
and acoustic bassist
Matt Wallace
. The lucky 13th cut,
"Thank You Jesus,"
features four-part harmony (with
Bowen
adding a bass vocal), performed
a cappella
, and it is one of the standout songs on
. For fans of
and
,
is the real deal, an authentic artifact in a world filled with pretenders. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.