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A Change Is Coming

The first time we heard "Get My Crown" by The Mighty Travelers, all we could say was WOW.  The song has all the trappings of good ole gospel quartet music; a solid religious message, an outstanding arrangement, a strumming bass guitar, a powerful lead singer, and tight background harmony.  That one song caused us to pay close attention to the entire CD. Therefore, for the last month of the year, we review the group’s CD A Change Is Coming.

The Mighty Travelers have been singing for 30 years starting out when they were just little kids. They followed in the footsteps of their uncles The Sensational Travelers of Dallas, TX.  They wanted to have a real traditional southern gospel sound. Over the years they have sharpen their musical talent and vocal skills.  With their new CD, they have accomplished their goal. It is full of that traditional gospel sound.

Before looking at the other songs on the project, it is appropriate to mention the members of the group.  They are Kenneth Stokes, Patrick Stokes, James Jennings, and Christopher Bollin.  The band members are Marcus Sanders, Kenneth Bollin, and Larry "Donnell" Richardson.  Together they have produced three (3) prior albums.  They have certainly honed there musical talents and under the production team of Dwight Gordon and Quartet Boyz Records have deliver an inspired uplifting CD.

There are eleven tracks on this project.  The project beings with the upbeat " Still Workin."  If the listener had any doubt that the guys can sing, this song puts it all to rest.  The mid-tempo arrangement showcases the strong vocals of the lead singer and the melodious harmony of the background singers.  The project slows down with “Just Believe.”  Often, a group will place a song on their CD that is just outstanding and yet it may not find its way into the group’s on stage presentation.  “Just Believe” is one of those songs.  It challenges call on the Lord and "Just Believe." What a timely reminder as we close out 2009 and prepare for 2010.

The aforementioned “Get My Crown” is the next song.  This is followed by “Jesus Will Fix It.”  This is one of those songs that have been recorded by many groups.  However, The Mighty Travelers’ arrangement will have you wondering whether it actually has been sung by others.  They really personalized this one.

The next song on the project is “Wait On The Lord.”  Like “Just Believe,” this song also challenges the listener.  The wait is made easier if you have given your heart to Jesus, and in the next song the Travelers ask the question “What About You?”  The influence of the 70’s and 80’s Rhythm and Blues is reflected in the arrangement to this song.

The guys’ storytelling ability is displayed in “GOD Is A Miracle Man.”  This signature song by the group conveys a powerful message.  If you have seen the guys in concert, then you know they deliver on this song.  It is appropriately followed by “Thank You” and “Praise Him.”

The guys revert back to the 70’s and 80’s R & B (with a little jazz and a touch of Al Jarreau) influence with “Soon.”  Interestingly, the arrangement does not overshadow the message being conveyed.  The final song is an A cappella tribute to Johnny Taylor of The Highway QC’s with “I'll Trust His Word.”  Think of some of the A cappella groups (The Fairfield Four, The Jarvis Brothers, The Capital City Five) from years ago and you will appreciate what The Mighty Travelers did with "I'll Trust His Word." 

There is literally something on this project for everyone.  We like this project.  It is well produced.  And, it certainly will minister to you.  You will disappointed in years to come if you do not add this CD to your collection. 

This release from The Mighty Travelers is a solid gospel quartet project.   We give The Mighty Travelers' A Change Is Coming a 9.5 out of 10.  To purchase this CD contact Quartet Boyz Records.  Click on the title to hear “Get My Crown."

Gloryland Gospel