In 2001 we introduced you to Rev. Jerial Dingle and his group The Harmonics.  A review of their CD Christian Life can be found with our other reviews from 2001.  Rev. Dingle has returned to the studio and has produced the first CD by his new group, New Vision.  Therefore, this month we review Rev. Dingle & New Vision new CD - Living A Dream.

Rev. Dingle is from Jordan, South Carolina.  So, it should not be a surprise that his (and the group’s) style is solid traditional gospel quartet.  His ability to grasp your attention with strong vocals is just as apparent on this new CD as it was on the 2001 release.

Before moving into a discussion of the songs on the CD, let’s take a look at the group. The group was organized in January 2006.  Rev. Dingle is the lead singer, producer and arranger for the group.  He also wrote most of the songs on the CD.  For those that he did not write the words to, he wrote the arrangement.  This is a family group and the other members are Rev. Dingle’s father, Troy Dingle, Sr., sister, Eloise Marie Dingle, and brothers Troy Dingle, Sr. and Ronnie Dingle.  Most of the members of the group sing lead on at least one song, with Rev. Dingle doing lead duties on all of the songs.

The project actually opens with "Turn It Loose."  The powerful message from this song is clear; whatever you are being challenged with, turn it over to God.  And, just in case you did not get the message from the first track, the next song will certainly deliver it – "If Jesus Don’t Work It Out Nobody Can."  Track three conveys to listener that while you are going through, "Don’t Quit."  These three (3) songs are truly meant to encourage the listener.  The background harmony on each is just right.  It must also be said that the musician never overshadow the singers.

The project then moves to a very familiar song, "O’ Mary Don’t You Weep."  Troy Dingle, Sr. shares lead duties with Rev. Dingle on this track.  The senior Dingle has a melodious voice.  He puts his personal touch to this song. Yes, he will remind you of the legendary Claude Jeters.   Sister, Eloise Dingle, takes over lead duties on the ballad "Feeling Down."  This song was obviously written just for her.  She puts a lot of emotions into telling you why she can’t stop even while feeling down.

There are two songs from the 2001 recording on this CD.  They are "Sit Down Servant" and "Christian Life."  "Sit Down Servant" will probably be considered the strongest drive songs on this project.  It certainly has a live recording feel to it.  Now this one will remind you of Rev. Willingham, Rev. Cheeks and other great singers from their era.  Rev. Dingle even adds a little Doc McKenzie to the mix with his howling, yells and groins, as while as with the runs in the song.

The next track is also drive song, "I Can’t Stop."  This is followed by Troy Dingle, Jr., singing lead on "Made Through The Storm."  While most of the songs show the great harmony of this group you really hear that recognizable family blend of harmony on this track.  No one would have been disappointed had the group made this song longer.  The harmony is just that good.  The final track is the ballad, "Satan Tried To Bring Me Down."

If you like good gospel music with a definite down home feel to it, than you must have this new offering from Rev. Jerial Dingle & New Vision.  We give the Rev. Jerial Dingle & New Vision's Living A Dream an 8.5 out of 10. 

You may not be able to find this CD in your local record store.  However, you should be able to purchase it by contacting the group at (803) 238-1269 or (803) 781-5440.  Click on the title to hear “Sit Down Servant."

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