Powerful singers, traditional Southern Gospel sound, reminiscent of the Happy Goodmans.
Song Titles:
Grand Homecoming
Joy In The Storm
Buried My Sins In The Past
God Shall Wipe Away All Tears
If Not For The Blood Of The Cross
The Other Side
Travelers Protected By Grace
He Still Takes Time For Me
We're Gonna Rise
Sheltered In The Arms Of God
I'll Soon Be Gone
Released in 2012.
Diplomats - Joy In The Storm
"Joy In The Storm" from the Diplomats features eleven terrific songs of faith and promise. The group and band include Jimmy and Rita Pearson, Corey Pearson, Joseph Brown and Michael Lott. The style of the group is a mesh of traditional Gospel hymn singing, Country music and good quartet Southern Gospel singing.
There is quite a variety of songs on this album. Some of the standout songs include the title song on the album, "Joy In The Storm." This cheery uptempo song proclaims that "In the storm, He took away the sorrow, gave hope for tomorrow... He gave me joy in the storm." Uplifting lyrics such as these should be no surprise since the song was written by Rodney Griffin who is known for his creative writing style in Southern Gospel music.
Another song with a much slower tempo is the song "God Shall Wipe Away All Tears," which features the bass of the group, Jimmy Pearson, on each verse. Jimmy began singing full- time at the age of 17 with groups including The Americans, The Original Diplomats, and now the current Diplomats group. His experience shows on this song with a warmth that lends heartfelt sincerity to this tune.
"The Other Side," written by Jimmy Pearson and arranged by Corey Pearson of the group, is an energetic song about Heaven. The chorus of the song conveys the longing the writer has for their future home: "It's a land where there's no sorrow, just milk and honey flow. It's a place that I've been longing, it's a place I wanna go."
The singing on "He Still Takes Time For Me" bounces between group members with a lively tune that’s toe-tappingly pleasant. "We’re Gonna Rise" is probably the most upbeat song on the album and features strong energy and a strong message. "Travelers Protected By Grace" features the wonderful voice of Rita and includes a well-selected piece of "Amazing Grace." Rita also features on "Sheltered In The Arms Of God," written by Dottie Rambo.
The individuals who make up the Diplomats have been through many struggles over the years. One of the most amazing stories involves Rita Pearson, the "First Lady of the Diplomats." She began singing when she and Jimmy were married. Just a few short years later in 1975, she was diagnosed with cancer. But, amazingly, when she returned to the doctors to start her treatments, they couldn't find any cancer! She had been healed! Rita and Jimmy have attributed this healing to God having work for her to do. Through their Gospel ministry, many have been touched by this wonderful testimony of God's faithfulness.
Entertaining, encouraging and enjoyable, "Joy In The Storm" is a great release from the Diplomats that shows off their solid musical gifts in the service of the Lord.
