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If it was possible to combine the
talents and energy of Joe Ligon, Doc McKenzie, the late Rev.
Julius Cheeks and the Graham brothers from
The Pilgrim Jubilees
the result would be Charles McElveen, know in the gospel music industry as
Youngblood.
The new recording by
Youngblood and The New Gospel Seekers
is probably their best. Therefore, this month we review their recording
LIVE in Hartsville, South Carolina.
Youngblood’s group was organized in 1961. Therefore, it is no surprise
that this group is well seasoned and ready to take the gospel music industry by
storm. They have recorded three (3) projects with their current label.
They are Let's Go Churchin', It's Our Time, and the
CD that is the subject of this review.
The members of the group on this new project are Youngblood, Joe Stroman, David
McDowell, Hebert Dockery and James Griffin. Some of the musicians on this
project are Benny Hill (formerly of
Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites),
Anthony Ravenel, Tyree Black, Antoine Mathis and Orlando T. Riley, Jr.
With this line up of singers and musicians one should expect nothing but a good
recording and the group delivers.
As reflected in the title, this is a live recording. The venue for the
recording was The Hartsville Center Theatre, Hartsville, South Carolina.
This is an ideal venue for a live recording; in that, it is not a large facility
and the audience is close enough to the stage to really interact with the group.
You can feel the audience's participation on this recording.
There are 10 songs on this Live recording. The concert begins with
"I’m Going Thru." This is a mid-tempo song with great background
harmony. Other songs of note are "It’s Alright," "Cross
Jordan," "Secret Closet," and "Lazarus."
"It’s Alright" has a powerful message that let the listen know
that whatever you are going through it will be alright, for a blessing a coming
your way. What is unique about the song is that at times it seems that
Youngblood is delivering a sermonette.
"Cross Jordan" was on the Let’s Go Churchin’ CD.
It has been expanded to seven (7) minutes in length. Paul Smith is
featured on this song. He is an exceptional tenor. The interaction
of Youngblood and Paul takes the song to another level. This ballad is
sure to become a favorite of anyone that listens to this CD. It is one of
the best songs on the project.
"Secret Closet" was on the It's Our Time CD and
video. On the
LIVE recording it is
over nine (9) minutes in length. And, that seems to short. The
message conveyed by the song is one that every Christian can relate to; that is,
take your problem to the Lord in prayer by entering ‘your’ secret closet and
talking to the Lord. Because of the length of the song it may not get any
airplay, but rest assured once you put the CD in your player, you will find
yourself playing it over and over.
"Lazarus" has that ole time feel to it. For the sincere
gospel music fans, this song will remind you of the late
Rev. Julius Cheeks.
The story of "Lazarus" has been told many times in song.
However, Youngblood’s rendition of the story in this song has got to be one of
the best. The storytelling interwoven with the harmonic background is
nothing short of great gospel quartet music.
You certainly will want to add this
CD to your collection. It is a great traditional gospel music project.
You should be able to purchase this
CD at your local record store or by clicking on
LIVE In Hartsville, South Carolina. We give
Youngblood & The New Gospel
Seekers'
LIVE! In Hartsville, South Carolina a 9
out of 10. Click on the title to hear “Do
You Love Jesus."
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