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We like to receive new music from relatively unknown group. Herman Ellis & The Dynamic Queen City Aires fit into that category. There newest CD is titled Standing At The Crossroads.

From their website and the CD liner notes we found out that the group was formed in 1996 by Deacon Herman Ellis.  Being from Charlotte, NC (which is commonly referred to as the Queen City), it was easy for the group to adopt the name Herman Ellis & The Dynamic Queen City Aires.  Standing At The Crossroads is their sophomore release.  Their first release was titled Peace In The Valley.

The members of the group are Deacon Herman Ellis (Lead Singer), Billy (Buck) Terry (2nd Tenor), James Tillery (1st Tenor), Robert L. Correy (Bass Guitar & Baritone Singer), Rev. J. C. Ramsey (Lead Singer), Authur Evans (Lead Guitar), Kevin Crowder (Keyboard), and Leonard (Spanky) Bennett (Drummer).

The producer for this project is Kevin Clouds.  He was the producer of the highly successful 2008 project by The Fantastic Violinaires – Revived.

There are only eight (8) songs on the Standing At The Crossroads’ CD.  They are “Standing At The Crossroads,” “Man From Galilee,” “Heaven Is My Goal,” “Hold On (take a trip),” “If You Love Jesus,” “Jesus Made A Way,” “We’re Movin On,” and “A Friend In Jesus.”

From the first song to "A Friend In Jesus" (which is actually "What A Friend We Have In Jesus)" you realize that these guys are heavily rooted in traditional gospel quartet, with a real southern flavor.  And, that is a good thing; particularly considering that many of the quartet singers of old were from the south.  The guys are not trying to sound like some other group.  But, with the selection of songs on this CD you will find yourself comparing them to some of the great groups of the past.  Willie Banks and The Messengers, The Swanee Quintet, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Harmonizing Four and The Spirit Of Memphis are just some of the groups that you will probably think about as you listen to this CD.  You might even find yourself thinking about Rev. Julius "June" Cheeks.

There are on hard hitting drive songs on this project. “If You Love Jesus” and “Jesus Made A Way” are the up-tempo songs on the CD.  They will have you clapping your hands and tapping your feet.  You just know that these two (2) songs will make it into any concert by this group.

This project by Herman Ellis & The Dynamic Queen City Aires is on the whole a good recording.  The project on a whole is reasonably diverse and well produced.  You may not be able to find this CD in your local record store.  However, check out the group's website and place your order.  We give Herman Ellis & The Dynamic Queen City Aires’ Standing At The Crossroads an  8 out of 10.  Click on the title to hear "Heaven Is My Goal." 

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