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Friendz
Where There's A Will There's A Way |
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This month we take you to the state of Delaware and introduce to some and present to others Friendz. Their 2007 recording is titled Where There�s A Will There�s A Way. This is their freshman recording. But these guys are seasoned professionals. They are on the TOC Records label. This is a label that many may not be familiar with, but you are certainly familiar with many artists that have used the extraordinary facilities of this label and talents of it staff.To really appreciate the depth of the experience that has gone into producing this debut CD by Friendz, it is necessary to share with you some of the groups that have recorded at TOC Records. On TOC�s website the label is described as �an Independent gospel record label devoted to the ministry of music and the artists of the ministry as conveyed through their music. The essence of this label is to focus on the soul of the music itself, using the artist as the messenger to deliver the word of Jesus.� Some of the artists that have used TOC�s facilities include many household names, such as Jay Caldwell and The Gospel Ambassadors, The Mighty Aires, The Lamars, Angelic Voices Of Faith, and Fred Hammond. Friendz is actually on TOC Records label. As you listen to their new CD, you will conclude that the label accomplished its mission and that the group certainly delivers the WORD in song. Friendz is comprised of four exceptionally talented young men. They are James Gospel, Bishop Isaiah Freeman, Rick Yancey and Pastor Eric Smith. Bishop Freeman holds a BA and advance degrees in Music. The other members are long time singers and musicians with deep gospel music roots. Therefore, it is not surprising that their first recording would be one of the best independent released CD of the year. Listen attentively to the CD and you will immediately recognize the influence of gospel legends like The Gospel Keynotes, The Pilgrim Jubilees, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Jackson Southernaires and others on this group. There are many songs of note on this 12 track CD. Pastor Smith sings lead on eleven of the tracks. Phil Ward sings lead on "He Never Failed Me Yet." Juliet Williams share lead duties with Pastor Smith on ""Where There�s A Will, There�s A Way," "Too Long" and "Testify." The harmony on all of the songs is tight. But, on "Be Ready," "Testify," "I've Got Jesus" and "Bound for Mount Zion" the background harmony is exceptional. �Testify� has a Gospel Four feel to it. This song deserves to be in heavy rotation on all radio stations that air gospel music. The lead and background singers interact in a way that is reminiscent of the great gospel quartet groups of the 60s and 70s. Another song that should also be in heavy rotation is "Can�t Do Nothin� (�Til He Comes)." Pastor Smith gives you a fifty (50) seconds sermonette and l moves smoothly into the song. Listen closely to the words to this song. If you are having a difficult day, listen to this song. It will surely encourage you. It reminds you that you can�t do anything without God. This is a great CD. It is obvious from the song selections and the arrangements that a great deal of thought went into the production of this CD. By the way, each of the songs are right at six (6) minutes in length or longer.
If you like good gospel music than you must have this new offering from Friendz. We give the Friendz' Where There�s A Will There�s A Way a 9.5 out of 10.
You may not be able to find this CD in your local record store. However, you should be able to purchase it by visiting the group's website - Friendz. Click on the title to hear �Can't Do Nothin' (Til He Comes)." |
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Copyright � 1997 - 2007 Gloryland Gospel Music Soteria Management and Consultants, LLC All rights reserved. Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form. |
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