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This month’s review takes us to
Nashville, TN. Anybody that knows anything about gospel music,
particularly gospel quartet, has heard of
The Gospel Midgets.
The first time we saw this group was many years ago at
The Swanee Quintet’s
Anniversary in Augusta, GA. At that time, we thought they were one of the
most energetic groups in this genre. They had the sound, the charisma and
the showmanship to excite a crowd. You just knew they were going to be
one of the groups to take gospel quartet music to another level.
Since that time, we have watched them go through several name changes and
different records labels. Yet, they have remained steadfast to their
roots – traditional gospel quartet music. Therefore, for the month of
February we review their new CD titled Pressing On.
Before getting into the CD, it is
probably noteworthy to further clarify the group’s name. As stated above
the group was known as
The Gospel Midgets.
They have also used the name
The Joy Boyz
and The Joys of Nashville.
Now they are known as
Donnie, Darryl & The Joy Boyz.
Their 2000 CD, Too Blessed To Be Stressed, was also recorded
under the name Donnie,
Darryl & The Joy Boyz.
The members of the group are Lead Singers, Donnie Frierson and Darryl Frierson,
Background Singers, Harvey Epperson and Danny Anthony; Chris Carr, Bass Guitar
and Background Singer, Jonathan Winstead, Keyboard and Background Singer, and
Roger Moore, Drummer and Background Singer.
There are ten tracks on this project. Only one of the songs, "Change
In Me," appears to have been previously recorded by the group. "Change
In Me" was on the group’s (Joys
of Nashville)
Thank You project. So, on the new CD you get nine new songs that
are sure to have you rejoicing.
The project beings with the upbeat "Lord Life Me Up."
Darryl Frierson sings lead on this song. The tempo of this song sets the
stage for the remainder of the project. It puts you on notice that you
are about to experience great gospel quartet singing. The background harmony is
tight and the interaction between the lead and background singers come through
lord and clear. Plus, there is a very important message to the song.
Darryl can also be heard singing lead on "Chang in Me" and "God
Will Take Care of You." Listening to these songs you get the
feeling that the guys enjoy singing ballads as much as they do the up-tempo
songs. The songs also establishes that the group knows how to 'minister'
in song. By the way, you will hear the influence of lead singers like Joe
Ligon, the late Willie Neal Johnson and the late Frank Williams on this track.
We are not suggesting that the group sound like any of the persons mention, but
just that you will appreciate the influence their style of singing obviously
had on Darryl, Donnie and
The Joy Boyz.
The Mississippi influence can be heard on "Work On Me." If
you did not read the credits you would think that the
Cantons'
musicians are in the background on this one. Listen closely to the bass
guitar as it establishes the tempo for this song. The next song on the
project is “I Feel Good.” Darryl and Donnie share lead
duties on this track. One of the highlight of their live performance is
to see the brothers interact with each other. Their interaction on this
song will have you playing it over and over.
"Somebody Here Needs Prayer" and "It Will Be Well"
are two additional tracks wherein the brothers share lead duties. Harvey
Epperson takes over lead duties on "There’s a Blessing."
This song seems to be especially written for him. He moves through this ballad
with all of the trapping of a seasoned balladeer. Paul Anthony joins
Darryl on "Send Me." Together they deliver a powerful
message about being ready for whatever God desires you to do. This song may not
get much airplay, but it is a song worthy of your attention. By the way,
Paul also sings lead on “Work On Me.” And, the final track
is "Blessing in Your Pressing." The group begins this
project with an upbeat song and they close it with a mid-tempo track.
Often, a group will deliver a song that you know they will sing at their
concerts. Well, "Blessing In Your Pressing" is one of those
songs. This one will have full participation by any audience. What
a great gospel quartet song.
We like this project. It
should aid in taking this group to another level. You will want to
consider adding this CD to your
collection.
This release from
Donnie, Darryl & The Joy Boyz
is a solid gospel quartet project.
We give Donnie, Darryl & The Joy Boyz'
Pressing On an 8.5 out of 10.
To purchase this CD contact the group at (615) 485-4641. Click on the title to hear
“I
Feel Good."
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