The Dixie Hummingbirds' Still…Keepin’ It Real – The Last Man Standing CD Review

The Dixie Hummingbirds

Still. . . Keeping It Real - The Last Man Standing

The Dixie Hummingbirds have stood the test of time. They are the quintessential group by which gospel music is defined. Their new offering from MCG Records is one of the best CD on the market today. The CD is appropriately titled Still…Keepin’ It Real – The Last Man Standing. The title is a great statement that really summarizes what the CD embodies.

This group has been delivering great songs to the world for over 78 years. During that time the group’s personnel have changed. One constant, however, has been Mr. Ira Tucker. Thus, “The Last Man Standing” rightfully applies to this legend. This new offering is solidly footed in traditional gospel music. The Birds are indeed “Still. . . Keepin It Real.” The current members of the Birds are Ira Tucker, Sr., William Bright, Abraham Rice, Torrey Nettles, Willie Coleman, Cornell McKnight and Lyndon Baines Jones.

The press release on this project contains a paragraph that is both reflective and a historical footnote of the Birds. It reads, “[a]lthough aggressively sought-after by countless star-makers with a promise of fame and fortune in the secular music world, Ira Tucker never strayed from God's calling to proclaim the good news of the gospel. After an initial ill-fated attempt at a gospel career in the tiny, post-depression town of Spartanburg South Carolina, Ira heeded the advice of his grandfather to “get back to singing". “One of these days,” he continued, "you just might find yourself singing on a big stage somewhere in Florida ". Never dreaming he would ever see beyond the city limits of Spartanburg, Ira was overcome with emotion a few years later as he remembered his granddad's encouragement and vision as the Hummingbirds stepped off their bus into a standing room only auditorium in Gainesville, Florida. Both his grandfather's "prophecy" and the resulting lesson in sticking-to-your-dreams served Tucker well throughout his sixty years as a mainstay of music and message in the internationally renowned Dixie Hummingbirds. As a lifelong fan and follower of the Dixie Hummingbirds, MCG's [president, James] Bullard best summarized their greatness with the reminder that Ira Tucker and his musical companions have always been known as "the gentlemen of gospel music", “Even after all their successes, " he added," the applause from thousands of performances, artist accolades the world over and millions of CD sales, The Hummingbirds remain the ever-humble servants who understand that their musical mission is not a job. . .but a calling."

With an understanding of the preceding paragraph and the reason for the chosen title to this project, it is easy to see why this CD will probably go down in history as one of the Birds’ best musical gift to the world.

One of the first things you will probably notice about this project is that the selection of songs represents the Birds’ past and present. The project begins with the A Cappella “Ezekiel Saw The Wheel.” This song definitely takes you back to the early days of the Birds. It is less than 2 minutes in length, but it contains all of the greatness of the Birds. The harmony is awesome.

The next song is “Wonderful To Be Alive.” This is followed by “He Watches Out For Me.” The forth song is “Father Alone.” As you listen to these songs you will note that there is no instruments at all on the first song and more and more instruments are added as you move from song to song. By the time you get to “Father Alone” you have a full compliment of instruments accompanying the Birds. The instruments never overshadow the Birds’ vocal. By the way, Cornell McKnight is the bass lead singer on “Father Alone.”

The pace picks up with “Personal Jesus,” which is followed by the Birds in unison singing “It Won’t Be Long.” The very popular “Christian’s Automobile” is the seventh song on the project. For those familiar with the Birds’ earlier recording of this song, you will not be disappointed with the rendition on this project. Mr. Tucker moves through the verses with the ease that only he could bring to this song. Look for this song to be in heavy rotation on the airways.

“Love Your Fellow Man” will have you rocking from side to side. Again, like on all of the songs, the background harmony is awesome. Listen to that bass voice in the background.

William Bright takes over lead duties on “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” with Cornell McKnight adding his profound bass voice to this very traditional song. Look for it to become a favorite during the Christmas holiday season.

“Don’t Let Me Fall” brings you into the 2000 era of the Birds. What a powerful song to complete this project.

Although the personnel may have changed, the style and sound of the Birds have not. They are just as good today as they ever were. Even with Mr. Tucker being the only remaining member from the early days of the Birds, they are indeed still remaining true to their roots and are definitely “Keepin' it Real”

The project should be available everywhere so, if you have not purchased this project, head to your local record store, or click on Still. . Keepin' It Real to purchase it online. We give The Dixie Hummingbirds' Still... Keepin' It Real - The Last Man Standing a 10 out of 10. Click on the title to hear “Love Your Fellow Man."

Gloryland Home