J L Cash

J L Cash

This month we take a look at the new CD from a group that was organized 40 years ago. That group is none other than Archie Dale and The Tones of Joy.  The group began in Shelbyville, Kentucky.  They now call Louisville, Kentucky home.
 

One of the signs of a solid group is the longevity among the group members.  Longevity aids the group in delivering smooth background harmony.  It also contributes to a blending of the vocals in a way that can only be developed over years of singing together.  If you are fortunate to have any of the Tones of Joy's earlier recordings take a look at the lineup and you will see that many of the members are still with the group.  The current members are  Archie Dale, Willie Glover, Daniel Grant Chris Matthews and Anthony Hudson.  Dale, Glover, Matthews and Grant have been singing together for over 30 years. 

Many may not know that Archie Dale sang with the legendary Reverend Julius (June) Cheeks.  He also played guitar for The Blind Boys of Mississippi.  In fact, he and Sandy Foster came to The Blind Boys of Mississippi around the same time.  Having started in the music ministry with powerhouses like Cheeks and The Blind Boys, it is no wonder that The Tones of Joy is such an awesome group.

The new CD, titled Don't Worry About Me, is the group’s twelfth LP/CD.  In addition to the twelve full projects, they recorded their first 45 in 1968.  Side A was "Life Evening Sun."  Side B was "You Never Know When The Lord Will Come."  They recorded a second 45 in 1969, which consisted of (side A) "Ride This Train" and (side B) "God Heard My Cry."  Many may remember their 1987 Album titled Bad, Bad World, which contained a unique arrangement to the Gamble and Huff song "Love Train."
 

One of the first things that you will notice about their new CD is the quality of the recording. In other words, the guys put a lot of time and effort into delivering a CD that reflects their dedication to providing their fans (and soon to be fans) great gospel music. You will also notice that the harmony is tight throughout the eleven (11) songs on this project. And, you will notice that each of the songs convey a message that is needed for our time.

The songs on the CD are "Don’t Worry About Me," "Lay My Burdens Down," "I Need A Blessing," "Forgetting About These Things," "He’s The One," "Christian Journey," "God Is Real," "Somebody Is Gone," "The Lord Will Make A Way," "You Can Have It," and "Around The Pearly Gates."  "The Lord Will Make  A Way" is a commentary on Madalyn Murray O'Hair efforts that led to prayer being taken out of schools.  "Don't Worry About Me" has an arrangement similar to "Somebody Touch Me" by The Pilgrim Jubilees. 

All of the songs on this project are worthy of your attention.  Fans of the Tones of Joy will recognize several of the song titles from previous recordings of the group.  Even those songs have a fresh feel to them.    It is probably safe to suggest that "Christian Journey," "Don't Worry About Me," "He’s The One"  and "Around The Pearly Gates" will get the most attention from radio angels.

The guys have incorporated the best of some of the 70s and 80s' gospel music arrangements with great lyrics.  Listen closely to "He's The One" and "Somebody Is Gone."

If you like good gospel quartet singing then you must obtain this offering from Archie Dale and The Tones of Joy.  This project deserves to be in your collection.  We give Archie Dale and The Tones of Joy’s Don't Worry About Me a 9 out of 10.  To purchase the CD visit the group at (502) 776-1240 or Meltone Entertainment Group.  Click on the title to hear "He's The One."

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