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It has been about five years since
there has been a new recording by the world famous
Five Blind Boys of Mississippi.
Their 2004 release,
Not Gonna Shut Up, is still one of the
most requested songs on Gloryland Gospel. Their new release is titled
I Won’t Complain.
Sandy Foster is still anchoring the lead vocals for the group. He is
joined by Charles Mongue, Willie Glover, Ollis Thomas, Jesse Brown, his brother
Curtis Foster, Robert Lewis, Johnny Garrett, Kevin Mathew and Freddi Bethea.
This project is nothing but down home gospel quartet music. And, to a great
extend it is also a compilation of previous recordings by the
Blind Boys.
In fact, if you have the project Jesus Is A Rock, you have most
of the songs on the CD I Won’t Complain.
Don’t let the existence of other recordings by the group that contain the songs
from this project cause you to shy away from I Won’t Complain.
There are at least 3 songs that give the project a fresh feel. They are "Get
Where You’re Going," the title track "I Won’t Complain"
and "I’ve Been Born Again." The guys really work the song "I’ve
Been Born Again." Although this is a studio production, this song
has all of the trappings of a live recoding. The background harmony is tight
and it almost sound like the guys are handclapping. Many groups have
recorded "I’ve Been Born Again," from
The Dixie Hummingbirds,
The Fantastic Violinaires,
and The Golden Gate
Quartet. It is
interesting that each have made the song unique. And, so do the
Blind Boys.
The song, "How Long Has It
Been" is likely to do for this project what the "Not Gonna Shut
Up" did for the Melendo release. You will find yourself humming "How
Long Has It Been" just like many were doing with "Not Gonna Shut
Up" at the height of its popularity.
Curtis Foster always delivers extraordinary lead duties on "Hands Of The
Lord." And, there is no exception on this project. Listen
as he groins and takes his voice to unimaginable heights with a heart throbbing
rendition of this mainstay of any concert by the
Blind Boys.
The other songs on this project are “Lord Saved Me,” “Use
Me Lord,” “Thank God For Mama,” “Precious Memories,”
“Peace In The Valley,” “Rock In A Weary Land,” “Wherever
There’s A Will,” “Steal Away,” and “Hold On.”
Of these titles you will find yourself drawn to “Precious Memories”
and “Thank God For Mama.” Fans of traditional gospel music
may find themselves strolling down memory lane with these two songs. Not
only are the reflective of the rich history of
The Five Blind Boys of
Mississippi, but they
will cause you to pause and think of others groups of this genre that have
recorded these songs. Remember
The Fantastic Violinaires’
"Thank God For Mama?" And, what about the
Harmonizing Four
or Cecil Shaw’s
"Precious Memories?"
This CD is certainly worthy of your attention. This project is on the
Melton Entertainment Group label. It might be hard to find in stores so call
Mr. Sandy Foster directly at (513) 681-1769 to order your copy.
We give The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi
I Won't Complain an 8.5 out of
10. Click on the title to
hear a clip from “How
Long Has It Been." |
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