In July 2006, we introduced you to The Gospel Imperials of Huntsville, Alabama.  Since that time this group has really solidified themselves as one of the must see groups in gospel music.  They have a new CD titled Heaven and it is the subject of this month’s review.      

They are still on the Low Rush Music label.  As stated in our review of their prior CD, they have a strong lead singer, extraordinary vocals, tight harmony, smooth timing, and a great message in each song.  One factor that allows a group to excel in this industry is stability.  The members of the group are Thomas W. Holman, Sr., Thomas W. Holman, Jr,, Richmond Malone, Terry Miller, Dean Davis, Archie King, Timothy Wallace, Randy Howell and David Talley.  From this line-up in is easy to see that the core personnel have not changed.  Therefore, they have been able to focus on delivering an exceptional traditional gospel CD to the marketplace, instead of having to deal with uncertainty of personnel changes. 

Thomas W. Holman, Sr., is still the lead singer for this group.  To a great extent he is the anchor that holds this group together.  He has all of the trappings to be one of the outstanding lead singers in gospel music.  As a side note, it would not be surprising to find him making appearances on recordings with other artists; in the same way that Lee Williams and Joe Ligon appear from time to time on recordings by other groups.   

The CD begins with the live recording of “You Been So Good.”  Mr. Holman seems to be at his best while singing a ballad and this song is no exception.  Some my compare the vocals on this song to The Cantons.  However, any similarities are strictly coincidental.  For, The Gospel Imperials have a sound that is certainly unique and is in no way an attempt to mimic another group.

“See My Way Through” is the next song on this CD.  This mid-tempo song will have you tapping your feet and moving your head from side to side.  The background harmony on this song is one of the best.  The instrumentation is just right.  It is safe to say that on all of the songs the musicians never overpower the vocals.

The next song is “Send It On Down.”  Yes, this song has been recorded by numerous artists.  The Gospel Imperials has just updated the arrangement and added, what we describe as, that Huntsville, Alabama, touch to it.  Meaning, it has a down home feel to it.  Very little instrumentation, with drums that appear to resemble foot tapping in that “ole wooden church.”

"I Know I've Been Born Again" is another ballad.  It is followed by “I’ll Be Free” and “You Brought Me.”  The next song is “Tis The Old Ship Of Zion.”  No, this is not the Jubes’ version of this song.  One would have to admit, however, that there are resemblances to the Jubes.  This is another song that showcases the background harmony.  Now, this one will remind you of gospel quartet songs from the 60s and 70s. 

The eighth song on the CD is “Do You Know Him.”  This is an updated version to a very traditional gospel song.  This is another song that really showcases all of the vocal talents of the group.  The guys have added little variations to the lyrics and an upbeat tempo to make this song their own.  This one should get plenty of airplay.

“Heaven (I Want To See Him)” is the title track.  This is the song “Oh, I Want To See Him.”  It was most recently recorded by Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC’s.  In this instance, The Gospel Imperials have added to the lyrics in a way that does not take away from the well know lyrics, but at the same time focuses on Heaven.  The original lyrics to this song do not contain the word Heaven.  Of course, there is no disputing that Heaven is the place this song references.  So, The Gospel Imperials have just made it clear for all that Heaven is the place where we will see Him.  

The final track is “Sign Me Up.”  This song has a country music arrangement to it.  You may think that you are hearing the steel guitar on this one.  This is another song that should get much airplay on gospel and country music stations.  

The new release from The Gospel Imperials is a great traditional gospel quartet CD.  We give The Gospeel Imperials' Heaven a 9 out of 10.  To order this project contact LowRush Music at  (770) 464-0349 or visit their website, www.lowrush.com.  Click on the title to hear “Send It On Down.”

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