Keep Telling | Mark Trammell Quartet – Album Review 💿

When I go to purchase a new project from a group, there are a select few that I know will consistently be worth my dollar every single time. Mark Trammell Quartet is one of those groups. They consistently put out great traditional quartet music. Their last two projects were songs from the past, and I greatly enjoyed them as someone who loves the old songs. But their last mainline release was Still Standing in 2021, followed by its reissue a year later with Will Lane, so it’s been a long wait for new material. I first heard this project was in the works at Great Smokies Praisefest in 2024, in a conversation with Stephen Adair. After listening, I can understand the thought and care that went into it.

The opening track, “Wait Upon the Lord,” is the only non-original song. According to my research on sghistory.com, its earliest recording dates back to 1959. I first heard it when they debuted it at their Homecoming this summer, and I couldn’t wait to have the recording. The quartet sings the verses together, with a standout line from Will Lane on bass and Stephen Adair on tenor. A quartet classic done at its finest.

We continue with the Rodney Griffin-penned “I’m Gonna Keep Telling,” which tells the story of Paul in prison for preaching the gospel and how, if they released him, he was just going to keep telling people about Jesus. It’s a great encouragement that no matter what we face, we should keep telling people about Jesus. The quartet sings this one together as well.

“He’s Still the Same God” is an anthem-type song with Stephen on lead, and it’s one that deserves more attention than it might get. The message is simple and strong: whatever changes in our lives, God doesn’t. Stephen carries it with the kind of conviction an anthem needs, and it’s the song that sets the tone for the rest of the project.

Nick Trammell wrote and sings “Til You’re the One,” and the lyrics are solid. The intro just isn’t quite my style, but that’s purely personal preference, and I can see it being a favorite for others.

“Soul Redeeming Love” is a fun barn burner that features the whole group. “One Thing for Certain” is a classic Mark Trammell anthem feature with a Celtic feel. Between the whistle and flute, I can only think of Ireland.

“The Gift of Salvation” is a slower mid-tempo song with a bass solo by Will. It reminded me of something the Cathedrals would have sung back in the day, and it’s an absolutely perfect fit for Will. It’s a reminder of what an amazing gift salvation is.

Next was a surprise, written by pianist Trevor Conkle. “The Making of Your Miracle” opens with a jazzy intro, and I would’ve thought I was listening to Frank Sinatra, but it was none other than Mark Trammell. It’s a fun song with a great message. Ya like jazz? 🐝 Yes, yes, I do.

“What a Loving God We Serve” is a slower feature, co-written and sung by Stephen. I absolutely love this song, and it’s a perfect slow down before the closer.

The closing track is the Lee Black-penned “Counting My Blessings.” When I first listened, it was a shocker because it was another departure from what I expected. But it quickly became one I turn on out of nowhere because it pops into my head. It’s a lot of fun, has a great message, and sounds like something Mark could have recorded with Gold City back in the day.

I love every song on this project, but a few have become earworms. I catch myself singing them at Chick-fil-A while I work. My highlights are “Wait Upon the Lord,” “I’m Gonna Keep Telling,” “The Gift of Salvation,” “The Making of Your Miracle,” and “Counting My Blessings.”

I also want to give credit to Trey Ivey, who produced the project and did the arrangements. He does a wonderful job at everything he touches, and he’s quickly become one of my favorite producers and arrangers. The same goes for Mark, Nick, and all the guys on this project. You can tell how much work went into it.

This has quickly become one of my favorite albums of the year. It departs from the traditional in places, but it never leaves the traditional gospel box, and the variety is what sets it apart from the rest of the Mark Trammell Quartet’s catalog. There are influences from all over, and it’s sure to be a hallmark project for them.

One thing to know before you go looking: this project is not on streaming. I greatly encourage you to catch the guys in concert and pick it up in person, or order it from their website, marktrammellministries.com.