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There is one group that just keep
going, and going, and going. And, as great as their previous recordings
have been, it seems that with each new project they just keep getting better and
better at delivering the best in gospel music. That group is none other
than The Mighty Clouds of
Joy. For the month of
June we review their new CD titled Movin’.
With June being Black Music Month, this is a fitting time to review the new CD
by the legendary Mighty
Clouds of Joy.
The Clouds
remain Ambassadors of Quartet Gospel. They are always on the cutting edge of the
quartet sound. Just when you think you have heard the best they have to
offer, they push the envelope on arrangements and song selection and take the
genre to another level.
For the recording that is the subject of this review the members of the group
are Richard Wallace, Michael Cook, Ron Staples, Johnny Valentine and the
incomparable Joe Ligon. Ligon's patented sermonettes and earth shattering
squalls are once again front and center on this new project.
Following in the footstep of In The House of The Lord – Live In Houston,
Movin’ is a live recording that also took place in the State of
Texas. Friendship West M. B. Church, Dallas, Texas, was the setting for
this recording. To a great extent, Movin’ picks up from
where the Live In Houston project ends. The opening song "Jesus
Can Turn It Around" has a similar arrangement to that of "In The
House of The Lord." It is a great drive song that sets the pace
for a Holy Ghost shouting time. Not skipping a beat Joe moves into the
title track – "Movin’." As you listen to this song you will
realize that Joe’s voice is just as strong as ever. "Movin’"
will certainly have you moving out of your seat. By the way, the string
and horn arrangements make this another great drive song.
The guys slow things down with "Rain on Me." This is one of
those (pick anyone form their repertoire) ballads from
The Clouds
that will have you rocking from side to side. At times it seems that Joe
wants to move into one of his vintage sermonettes. However, he holds back
on the sermonette and instead delivers a strong message in song backup by a
choir.
Joe and Ron then move into the upbeat "B.Y.O.P (Bring Your Own Praise)."
Michael can be heard in the background hitting those high notes with as much
ease as taking a breath. The song has an arrangement that will remind many
of hard hitting songs of the 70’s by R & B bands like Earth, Wind and Fire, Kool
and The Gang, or LTD. Expect there is no mistaking
The Clouds’
spiritual message.
Joe introduces "Something To Thank God For" by reminding us that
we all have so much for which we should thank God. Ron takes over lead
duties and enteracts with the choir in delivering a song that is sure to have
you giving thanks. This is followed by "Amazing Love,"
another song lead by Ron.
On "It’s Already Done" all of the members share lead duties.
This mid-tempo song is probably the best on the project. It showcases all
of the traits and talents of
The Clouds,
from Joe’s introduction, the squalls, Michael on the high notes, Ron's moans,
awesome background harmony by the group members, a powerful useful message,
while at the same time each member stepping up to the microphone to sing lead,
and finally the entire song being backup by a choir. Wow.
"God Hears" and "Fire" are the next two (2) songs on
the project. Ron and Michael are at their best on these songs.
Listen closely to how they interact with the choir. The group then slows
things down again with "At The Foot Of The Cross." All of
the songs have powerful messages. And, "At The Foot Of The Cross"
is no exception. It may take you a couple of times listening to this song
to really appreciate what is being said. But, take the time to listen.
For, as the group reminds us, there are blessings "At The Foot Of The
Cross."
The Clouds
close the recording with another ballad – "That’s What I’ll Be Needing God
For." Michael really gets the opportunity to ‘sing’ on this song.
The performance is nothing short of excellent. One may have expected the
recording to end with a drive (or at least an upbeat) song. If you
remembered In The House ended with the ever popular drive song – "I
Made A Step." Well, Movin’ actually ends with a song
that is more in the line of a benedict. You can always expect the
unexpected from The Clouds.
This latest release from
The Mighty Clouds of Joy
is a powerful collection of quartet material. You will joy this recording
more and more every time you listen to it. You should be able to purchase
this outstanding CD at your local record store or by clicking on
Movin'. We give
The Mighty Clouds of Joy's
Movin' a 9.5
out of 10. Click on the title to hear “Jesus
Will Turn It Around."
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