Part 3 of 3 parts. Click here for Part 2.

The Heralds did a handful of great a cappella albums in the last 15-20 years too. The “I Need Thee Every Hour,” “The Way We Were,” “Christmas,” and “Git on Board!” albums had a lot of a cappella. Their a cappella stuff is tight, smooth, and often sophisticated. And it’s in tune.

Jim Ayers is a wonderful bass, huge range and great ability. And unlike so many SG basses of today, he can actually sing in tune! His skill aren’t limited to just hammering out subterranean low notes, he can really “sing” all through his range.

Herein lies the rub. I just can’t imagine Jeff Pearles stepping in to Jim Ayers’ shoes and singing for the Heralds. I don’t think he has what it takes. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always been a big Jeff Pearles fan, I like the guy. But he’s a southern gospel bass. I’m just trying to figure out how that’s going to work in a group like the Heralds.

PSQ did an album a few years ago called “When He Blessed My Soul,” it consisted of a bunch of old SG quartet songs. That’s right down my alley, so I bought it. Pretty good album, but man, out of tune like I couldn’t believe! And Jeff was one of the worst offenders. I’m left thinking, how does a major SG group put out a studio project (“budget” recording or not, I don’t care) this badly lacking in a such a basic musical concept as intonation?!! It frightens me.

So, I don’t want to be a big pessimist over this whole personnel change, but I am a bit worried. I’m hoping for the best though. I’ll cut them some slack.