Last December we mentioned that the recently formed bluegrass Gospel quintet Wheeler, from Weber City, VA, had signed with Mountain Roads Recordings. Their first album following that agreement, Bluegrass Gospel, becomes available today (August 1st).
Wheeler consists of the husband and wife duo Tiffany Wheeler (lead/harmony vocals) and Kevin Wheeler (lead/harmony vocals, bass), accompanied by Mark Jackson (lead/harmony, mandolin), Justin Salyer (guitar) and Steven Mounts (banjo).
Their debut release is, as the title states, an all Gospel affair. It features a good selection of original songs, eight of which were written by band members. Six are from other sources, including two from Mark Brinkman and two traditional songs. Salyer contributes the instrumental Solomon’s Song.
Their vocals are very impressive, earning praise from none other than Darrin Vincent, of Dailey & Vincent. As is always the case with Gospel music the message in each of the songs is compelling. With Wheeler their singing is both convincing and rendered with conviction. Those facets are no more apparent than in the a cappella rendition of the traditional What A Day That Will Be.
Audio and video samples are available on their MySpace page.
