Gloryland Home

Quartet Radio

Top 20 Chart

Quartet Contacts

Quartet CD Reviews

Quartet Video Reviews

Industry News

Picture This!

News Archive

Record Store

Store Guidelines

Quartet Calendar

Quartet Promotions

QC Message Board

Quartet Links

Quartet Auctions

Contact Gloryland

What's New At Gloryland

Quartet Collector's Forum

About Gloryland Gospel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006 Independent Releases Overview

  

 

  

 

 

Two Thousand Six was another great year for independent labels and artists. Independent gospel quartet recordings certainly made waves in the industry last year. The recordings from independents are now in the same league as those from the major labels.  In addition, a new label was introduced to the industry in 2006 – Low Rush Music, LLCLow Rush started with just one artist and has grown to be one of the strongest independent labels in the industry today. To a great extent Low Rush is re-writing the way artists are being treated by labels.  Under Low Rush, the artists maintain their independence, while at the same time being a part of a team (the label), whose mission it is to keep traditional gospel quartet music alive.  Several of the groups/artists that are now on this label had their CD reviewed by us in 2006.

We began the year with a review of
The Williams SingersHav’n Church. This was the sophomore project for this very talented group. The project showcased the vocal talents of the members as well as their ability to writing inspiring gospel songs. In that, you realize that The Williams Singers take the worship service higher and higher with each track. They in fact are ‘Hav’n Church’ throughout the project.

In February we reviewed the long awaited
Pilgrim Wonders’ live recording from 2004.  The CD is titled Live in Canton, Mississippi, Back – Better Than Ever. This is an awesome CD. The two complaints about the project are 1) there is no video of the live recording. In order for there to be a video, The Pilgrim Wonders would have to do what The Mighty Clouds of Joy did with their “In The House of The Lord, Live In Houston.” That is, record the video in another setting. And 2), the shorting of the song “The Time is Now.”  However, these observations should not prevent you from adding this CD to your collection.

The Yancey Brothers of Newark Delaware, was spotlighted in March. Every now and then you pick up a CD that you just want to listen to over and over and over. Well, The Yancey Brothers of Newark Delaware’s O’ Lord I’ll Go certainly fits into that category. The group has a style that is quite unique. Yet, it is solid traditional gospel quartet music. The vocals are smooth. No rough edges. There is nothing gritty about their voices. And the harmony is one of the best. There are eleven tracts on this CD.  Each song ministers to you in a way that leaves you wanting more. In fact, one of the unfortunate aspects to the CD is that there are only eleven tracts. These guys are so smooth and so tight in their singing that it would not be a stretch to say this CD could easily become one of the favorites in your collection.

In April we reviewed the freshman project of
Minister Fred Collins & The San Diego Gospelaires.  The title of their new CD is I Made It Through The Storm.  This group is on the NO LOC Records label. This relatively new label is sure to make a lasting positive impact on the gospel music industry.  The release of I Made It Through The Storm indicates that the label is not only position to deliver a high quality product to the marketplace, but more importantly deliver a product that is full of the Word in song.  According to the bio on NO LOC’s website, the group is comprised of four gifted gentlemen who are dedicated to keeping the traditional sound of gospel music alive. Minister Collins’ love of traditional and contemporary gospel quartet music is what inspired him to form this group through the guiding of the Holy Spirit. His southern upbringing (Arkansas) and bible teaching are clearly heard in the songs he writes and performs.” There is definitely a Word for someone in every song.

May gave us the opportunity to review
Karen Washington & The New Singing Stars' Jesus Is Alive. This is the group’s third recording.  Their first CD, which was recorded in 2000, was titled "Help Me Make It."  In 2003-2004 they recorded their second CD titled "Jesus Is My Everything."  This CD was produced by Eric Sharper of Dream Reality Productions. The newly released CD, "Jesus Is Alive," was released in 2006. The 2006 release was also produced by Eric Sharper of Dream Reality Productions. We indicated that to really understand the depth of Karen’s musical talent it is appropriate to shed a little light on her background.  She began singing as a youth in her church’s choir. In 1975 she was instrumental in forming the group “The Family Starlites." They performed for many years together spreading the gospel through songs. The group Karen Washington and The New Singing Stars was formed in 1995.  The new CD, Jesus Is Alive, contains 11 new songs.

For the month of June we introduced you to
The Anointed Sons of Jersey.  Their new release is Christian Race. There is something on this project for anyone interested in good gospel music. This group has the talent and the professionalism to become a household name. The group is one of the few groups that can actually champion the fact that they have five (5) lead singers.  The group is so talented that any of the singers can step up to the microphone and take the lead. The songs on this CD are rooted in traditional quartet gospel music.  However, there are pleasant musical surprises throughout the project. At times, some of the songs lean toward the contemporary genre.  However, listen carefully and you will hear, even on the songs with a contemporary slant, good gospel quartet singing.

For the month of July we reviewed we spotlight the CD Move Satan by
The Gospel Imperials of Huntsville, Alabama.  This is an exceptionally talented group, with a great CD.  The group was on the MARS label. They are now in the LowRush Music camp.  One of the first projects the label released was the MARS recording by The Gospel Imperials' Move Satan.  One of the first things you will notice about this group is that they are polished.  They have strong lead singers, extraordinary vocals, tight harmony, smooth timing, and a great message in each song.  One of the drawbacks to the CD is that there are not many original songs.  There are, however, great arrangements to all of the songs.  The songs chosen for this project are, in general, a perfect match for vocals of The Gospel Imperials.

For August we reviewed the new release by
The Gospel Incredibles. The project is titled One Moment To Be saved.  It is not beyond belief that The Gospel Incredibles' seventh recording would provide their fans and new fans with a CD that is sure to become a favorite of all fans of good gospel music. To aid in this accomplishment, The Gospel Incredibles also called upon the talents of Eric Sharper, of Dream Reality Productions, as the producer.  With a powerful message in each song conveyed by the very talented Gospel Incredibles, and with Eric Shaper as producer, this project is indeed worthy of all of the accolades it will garner.  The Gospel Incredibles have been able to stay true to their roots – traditional gospel quartet, and yet deliver a fresh and exciting sound with this new project. The CD certainly has something for everyone.  There are the smooth ballads like “One Moment To Be Saved" and “Can’t Live My Life Without You,” the praise and worship songs like “You Got A Friend” and “Thank You Lord,” and the upbeat tempo songs like “Lay Your Hands On Me Jesus’ and “Standing On Holy Grounds.”

In September we introduced to you the group
The Holloway & Drake Singers from Camp Hill, Alabama.  Their 2006 recording is titled Live Once Again - Camp Hill, Alabama – Run and Tell That.  The project is aptly titled Live Once Again.  To really appreciate the meaning of the title, you needed to know that the group’s 2004 CD was also a live recording.  That CD was titled I Know He Can.  Like the I Know He Can project, the new CD also contains twelve songs.  The emcee introduces the group by saying that the group “knows how to sing, will sing, and going to sing.”  Well, he was right.  This group can really sing.

For the month of October we reviewed
The Zionaires’ sophomore project - Still Blessed.  This group has developed into one of the best in the delivery of hard hitting gospel quartet music.  After spending several years sharpening their musical talent, The Zionaires released their first project entitled Got What You Deserve in 2003. On that project they called on Jesse Jeffcoat of The Five Singing Sons of North and together gave us the ever popular “Just Wanna Be Remembered.”  The group members’ love for God and sincerity in singing praises to our Lord and Savior are definitely revealed in this project.  The fifteen tracks on this project will certainly get your feet moving.

In November we took a look at
The Gospel Connection’s freshman project, Back For The First Time.  The title appears to be saying something that is impossible – How can you be “Back” to something you have never experienced before? According to the group, the answer is found in “Jeremiah 1, where it speaks of God knowing us before we were even formed. Meaning God knew who we [were] and knew our True Identity.  He formed it! Also we know we were formed in the very thought and mind of God.  So as time progressed and we matured holistically as a group, we began walking in our True, Predetermined, Stature.  Some people can identify with the newness while others might [be able to] perceive it.  That's why to some people we're just ‘BACK’ with another CD but to those that truly have a spiritual insight they can see ’THIS GOSPEL CONNECTION’ is here for the first time.  We haven't seen this group before. No more songs of old, God has given us new melodies, a Distinct Sound.  Whereas before we were just singing Gospel, now, for the first time we're walking, talking, professing and living the True Gospel!” The ages of the group members range from 17 to 29. With their youth and talent, this group is in a great position to be the one to bridge the divide between the older gospel quartet groups (and their fans) and a new generation of younger gospel quartet fans.

We closed out the year with
The Sons of Favor of Indianapolis, Indiana. Their freshman CD is “Be Careful.” Several members of the group previously were with The Daytonians of Dayton, Ohio and The Christian Souls.  The group certainly has a unique sound and style.  The recording is rooted in traditional gospel quartet music, yet you will notice a touch of country, blues and contemporary being prominent on various songs.  The instrumentation on all of the songs is at the right level for the vocals.

It was indeed a great year for independents.  We look with much anticipation to 2007.

Below you will find Gloryland Gospel top 5 independent labels or artists picks of 2006 and the top 15 independent groups to watch in 2007.  This list is in no way all inclusive, however if you're looking for the best of the best you will definitely want to add these recordings to your music collection.  The order in which the projects are listed does not necessarily represent their ranking.  God Bless and we look forward to an exciting 2007 for gospel quartet music.

Top 5 Independent Releases of 2006

1. 
The Gospel Imperials "Move Satan"

2. 
The Pilgrim Wonders "Live In Canton Mississippi"

3. 
Holloway & Drake Singers "Live Once Again Camp Hill, Alabama"

4. 
Karen Washington & The New Singing Stars "Jesus Is Alive"

5. 
The Yancey Brothers "O' Lord I'll Go"

15 Groups to Watch in 2007

1. 
Redemption – We are still waiting to hear from you!
2. 
Eternal Light – Would like to “know what’s going on?’.
3. 
The Brewsteraires – Still singing, but will they record in 2007?
4. 
The Gospel Warriors – A live recording, with video, would still be great.
5. 
The Selvys Singers – Will this finally be their year?
6. 
Billy Hardie & The Gospel Soul Brothers – Is the group still singing?
7.
 Deacon Williams & The Soul Converters – Hope to hear a new CD in 2007.
8. 
Brian Mayes and Heavenbound – Will we finally get a new recording?
9. 
The Prodigal Sons – Must be working on something?
10. 
The Messengers – Will Low Rush give us a new project?
11. 
Joe Agee Featuring GGOB (God's Good 'Ole Boys) – ?????
12. 
The Harmony Quintet – Time for a new CD..
13. 
The Pilgrim Jubiletts – Waiting on something new.
14. 
The Second Chapter – Would really like to hear from this group in 2007.
15. The quality of products from Independent Labels and groups not on a label will continue to improve.

 

 

 

      
      

 

 

Copyright © 1997 - 2007 Gloryland Gospel Music
All rights reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.

 

Gloryland Gospel Home