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Mel Tunney, Bonnie Keen and Marty McCall are back together again, for the first time in many years, as First Call for new CD, “Rejoice: An A Cappela Hymns Collection.”
Releasing in late May, the project brings the happy return of the jazzy, shades-of- Manhattan Transfer vocal stylings that first garnered them national attention. The threesome is gleeful about working together again, and it shows. The fact that the project is all hymns feels right as well, perfect for their classic tight harmonies, especially with 4Him packing it in now. Bonnie's husband, Brent King (who just won his fourth Grammy Award for engineering/production), served as the project's producer and the values are spotless. I especially enjoyed the instrumental interludes between hymns, each one featuring a different instrument, each one a study in acoustic serenity. What a thoughtful and pleasant addition. The tight hallelujahs of opener "Doxology" let you know you're in for the classical treatment of these favorite hymns, the tight vocals ushering in a sense of the sacred. These songs are gorgeously rendered, the harmonies impeccable. I like them best when they get a little edgy, and "I Sing of the Mighty Power of God" does offer some moments less refined. While edgy may not be their forte, each of these singers is more than capable of handling any style you could think of, with their spectacular vocal chops. The staccato-phrased "Solid Rock" is a masterpiece of enthusiasm, and the snaps and claps of "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" is equally fervent. The full and dramatic tones of "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" are hallowed enough to still the air; I swear you could close your eyes and believe that you are in a darkened cathedral. Classic First Call. And yes, my repeated usage of the word "classic" is intentional; they are the very definition. King heads the album toward its end by gently slowing the pace, first with the passionate and elegant "Come to Jesus," followed by mellow closer "The Lord Bless You and Keep You." Your eyelids want to gently close in agreement, your spirit soothed to the point of deep satisfaction and peace. And to all, a goodnight.
The copyright of the article First Call: Rejoice in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish First Call: Rejoice in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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