One of the definitions of 'legend' "is somebody famous who is admired for his skill or talent."  The leader of the group that is the subject of this month’s review squarely fits this definition.  The Legend Spencer Taylor and The Highway QC’s new CD It Hasn’t Always Been Easy will, as if needed, solidify his legendary status.  The CD will certainly have you admiring the Legend's vocal skills and overall musical talents. 

Any fan of gospel quartet music has to appreciate the silky smooth vocals of Mr. Taylor.  He does not let you down on this new CD.  Even after being on the gospel music scene for over sixty (60) years, Mr. Taylor still has the ability to mesmerize those fortunate to see the group in concert.  Without a doubt, Spencer Taylor and his Highway QC's are still a force to be reckoned with in the gospel music industry.

The group is on a new label (MALACO).  We believe this is the group's first recording for MALACO.  They have been distributed through the MALACO group while on Marxan, but never before were they actually on the MALACO label.

This is an all studio recording.  Their new CD have a collection of ballads that will have you playing it over and over.  The CD begins with the title track, It Hasn’t Always Been Easy. This song, although not categorize as such, could very well serve as a testimony for the group.  Listen to the words to the song.  It just might become your testimony in song.  The track was penned by Darrell Luster of The Sensational Nightingales.  Who, by the way, along with Spencer Taylor III and Lynn "Fuzzy" Taylor produced the new CD.

Mr. Luster also penned "Just In The Nick of Time," "Whatever It Takes," and "Peace In The Midst of My Storm."  "Peace In The Midst of My Storm" is one of those songs that will have you rocking from side to side and waiving your hands without you realizing it.  Joseph “Joey” Wooden” can be heard singing lead on this song. He is outstanding on this track. His vocal controls will remind you of some of the great gospel quartet singers of a prior era.  Listen closely and draw your own conclusion as to whom he reminds you of.

Besides Mr. Luster, other great gospel music writers contributed songs to this project.  George Dean, of The Gospel Four, wrote "God’s Tomorrow."  The Legend’s youngest son, Lynn “Fuzzy” Taylor, collaborated with Ronald A. Frost on the songs "I Can’t Even Walk Without You," "There’s Not A Friend Like Jesus," and "You Can Call To Jesus." Luther Barnes, of The Sunset Jubilaires, wrote He’s Able.  The Legend wrote "When I'm Gone."  And, John Burwell, the groups’ lead guitar player, wrote and arranged "End Times (These Are The Last Days)."

If you are counting the songs listed thus far, you will notice that one song is missing from those stated above. The group paid homage to another legend by adding one of his songs to the project. And that legend is the Late Julius Cheeks. For the diehard gospel quartet fan, this song alone makes this CD a ‘must have.’ Spencer Taylor and The Highway QC’s seem to really be enjoying themselves on this song. The background harmony is outstanding. The guys really ‘work’ this song.

By the way, the members of the group at the time of this recording were The Legend, Spencer Taylor III, Joseph Britt, Stanley Richardson, Steven Gardner, John “Johnny B” Burwell, and Michael Johnson.  It is probably safe to say that one of the reasons the group sounds so good is that the current members have been together for a long time. You’ll see the same names on the groups’ prior projects on the Marxan Label.
 

This release from Spencer Taylor and The Highway QC's is a very good project.  Just look at the writers that contributed to this project.  It cannot be anything less than GOOD.  We really like this CD.  You will definitely want to add this one to your collection.  We give Spencer Taylor and The Highway QC's new CD, It Hasn't Always Been Easy a 9.5 out of 10.  To purchase this CD click on It Hasn't Always Been Easy.  Click on the title to hear “Somewhere To Lay My Head."