CD Review: “Mercy Answered” (Pathfinders)
The Pathfinders are a regional mixed trio based in Mount Holly, North Carolina. The group was founded in 1993 by baritone Dearl Lemons. Alto Dawn McGuire is a longtime group member, while Brian Dockins joined as lead singer in 2006. (This is Dockins’ first project with the group.) Mercy Answered, their most recent project, was produced by Brad Hudson of the Greenes.
Highlights of the project include “I Don’t Sail Alone” (by Daryl Williams), “I’ve Never Been Better” (by John Robinson), and a cover of the Gaither song “On the Authority.”
“What the Sea Saw” has a similar feel to Brian Free & Assurance’s song “Old Time Way,” and while it doesn’t sound bad as it stands, nonetheless strikes me as a song that would be improved by a bass part.
The project leans toward the country side of Southern Gospel, with a touch of bluegrass thrown in for good measure. It is one of the most professional projects released by a regional group that I’ve heard this year.
Rating: Enjoyable.
Comment by Diana (December 4, 2007, 8:17 am)
Good review, Daniel. I have this album and do enjoy listening to it. I thought it was very good, too, for a regional group.
Comment by Dearl Lemons (December 5, 2007, 10:30 pm)
Daniel,
Thank you for the review of our latest CD. We appreciate your comments. It’s funny how you’re the second person who has reviewed the CD and said it leans toward the country side of southern gospel. We thought we were pushing toward the progressive side. We hope this cd has a little of every style for all to enjoy.
In HIS Service,
Dearl and The Pathfinders
Comment by Daniel J. Mount (December 5, 2007, 10:32 pm)
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I think the soundtracks lean progressive; it was the vocals that inclined me to make the country comment.
Comment by Chris Unthank (December 6, 2007, 12:52 am)
Thanks for the great review of some of my favorite people in this industry!
Comment by Kevin Carr (December 6, 2007, 9:03 pm)
Hey Daniel,
Think you for the review on one of the best CDs I have heard in a long time.
Pingback by New CD Ratings System? | www.southerngospelblog.com (January 10, 2008, 9:37 am)
[...] are four reviews where I went back and added the rating: The Pathfinders; Triumphant Quartet; Southern Sound; Liberty [...]