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This month we review the CD of a group from Radcliff, Kentucky,
The Peacemakers.
Their freshmen recording is titled We Gonna Make It.
As reflected on their website, this group was formed in February 2005. The
members at that time were Gerald Brown, Larry Holliman, Dewayne Pittman, Ronnie
Nowlin, Jason Jackson, Doug Hampton, Jerry Holland and Michael McGee, Jr.
The current members are Gerald Brown, Larry Holliman, Dewayne Pittman, Ronnie
Nowlin, Joseph Sanderson, Johnny (J.C.) Cousin, Anthony Moody, Jerry Holland and
Warren Thompson. The group decided on the name "Peacemakers" after reading
Matthew 5:9; which states, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be
called the children of God."
Since their formation, the group has honed their talents by singing on programs
in their area. Having developed a unique style that incorporates blues,
jazz and the best of gospel quartet arrangements, the group delivers a very good
CD. The songs will have you clapping your hands and moving your feet.
In addition, you will find that significant, important and relevant messages are
delivered by each song.
There are 11 tracks, but only 10 songs, on the CD. There is a reprise to
the title track. The first song on the CD is one made popular by Willis
Pittman and The Burden Lifters, "Thunder." This is a great
song for
The Peacemakers
to introduce themselves to gospel quartet fans. It establishes the group
as being a traditional gospel group. On this song they have all the
trappings of the gospel quartet groups of the 80s and 90s.
"God Has A Way" is the next track. As you listen to this
track, you may find yourself linking of The Soul Stirrers. The background
harmony is awesome on this song. The ooooooh’s are smooth and very
reminiscent of groups from the seventies.
"Trouble Don’t Late Always" is the third song on the CD.
Listen closely to the base guitar on this track. Gerald Brown is listed as
the base player and he really displays his ability to bring the base guitar to
the forefront of a song and at the same time not overshadow the singers.
"A Change Is Gonna Come" is the next song. Yes, it is Sam
Cooke’s version of the song. We must admit, however, that
The Peacemakers
put their stamp on this song. The background harmony is tight. The
arrangement has just enough of a variation to it, so that the song becomes
unique to the group. The musical intro (about 28 seconds) certainly does
not sound like any intro you have heard to this song. After listening to
this song, you may find yourself saying “these guys can sing.”
The guys pick up the tempo a little with the title song, "We’re Gonna Make
It.” This is one of the songs actually written by a member of the
group. So, not only can these guys sing, but they are writers, arrangers
and great musicians.
The project slows down considerably with "Hear My Words."
The next track is "Be Ready." Thereafter, the guys remind
everyone that it is time to go back "To The Altar." What a
powerful altar call song. It would not be surprising in years to come to
hear that this song has become popular with ministers during the Alter Call.
This is a great song. If you need a specific reason to buy this CD, this
song is it. Give a copy of this CD to your minister of music and prepare
to hear this song during the Altar Call. It is the best song, from every
aspect, on the CD. And, it is also the longest song on the CD.
Next, the guys take you to the “country’ with "Hear Me Jesus."
This song take you back to 'the way we use to have church.' There is even
the sound of a steel guitar on this one. This song is followed by the
reprise of "We’re Gonna Make It.”
The final song is "The Anointing." The Anointing is a five
(5) minute and twenty-four (24) seconds sermonette about the power of "The
Anointing." What a powerful way to end the recording.
If you
like good gospel quartet singing than you must obtain this offering from
The Peacemaker.
This project deserves
to be in your collection. We give
The Peacemakers’
We're Gonna Make It a 9 out of 10. To purchase the CD visit the
group's
website. Click on the
title to hear "Hear
Me Jesus."
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