Your Walk Talks - Mark Trammell Quartet - CD Review

After listening to Mark Trammell Quartet's latest release, there's only one word that comes to mind - Wow! The Mark Trammell Quartet has not only set the bar high for other releases this year, but they could not have started their new label with a stronger project. All 10 songs are absolutely incredible.

The project starts with "Don't Stop Running," which is one of two songs Nick Trammell wrote on the album. He proves he's not only is he a more than capable lead singer, but he's also bringing to the table impressive writing skills. The other song that Nick wrote (with Rodney Griffin) is "To Know He Knows Me." It's a great smooth, easy-listening type song. Both songs feature him. Nick has come into his own on this project and lays down some outstanding lead vocals on both of these songs.

"God's Been Faithful" is one of the slower songs on the project, but has one of the greatest messages. This is one of my favorites that features Mark. Some of the best vocals on the project are on this song especially love the second verse. And the song is a great reminder of the goodness of God. He also sings "Man of Sorrows." It's one of the more orchestrated songs that incorporates a couple of familiar hymns.

Pat Barker sings the familiar "Thanks to Calvary" from the pens of Bill and Gloria Gaither. While the song will be familiar, Pat makes it his own and has a superb vocal performance. His version of the song will be one that you remember for sure, and it's a song that he considers to be a testimony song for him. Pat also is featured on "I'll Take It to the Grave" written by Dianne Wilkinson. One of several cuts for her on the project. This uptempo number is another personal favorite. I can see this being a great song live.

This is the first project to include tenor Dustin Black. While this is his first Southern gospel group to sing with and his first time going into the studio, you would never know it from his vocals on this project. The last song, "I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way," features him, and he turns in one of the most tender moments of the project. It's the perfect song choice to highlight his tenor style. Dustin also carries the upbeat "When the King Comes to Claim His Throne."

"I'll Go Over Jordan Someday" is a not a new song, but one that a lot of people, me included, probably won't be familiar with. It's an older convention song that the group brings new life to.

Finally, the title cut "Your Walk Talks" is definitely my favorite of the project. It's an uptempo song with a simple but strong message. Pat's bass step out lines add so much energy to the song, and it's a song that definitely gets stuck in your head which in this case is a good thing!

It's safe to say that this album will be one that all other albums released this year will be measured against and probably not only this year but for years to come.


Song List -
1. "Don't Stop Running"
2. "God's Been Faithful"
3. "When the King Comes to Claim His Throne"
4. "Thanks to Calvary"
5. "I'll Go Over Jordan Someday"
6. "Man of Sorrows"
7. "Your Walk Talks"
8. "To Know He Knows Me"
9. "I'll Take It to the Grave"
10. "I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way"