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This month we review the latest CD
by
The New Pearly Gates. Their new CD is titled
Walking The Path. Old school
quartet fans will appreciate this CD. For, this group has been around for a
long time. Like many groups on the quartet scene they have enjoyed regional
success.
Gospel quartet enthusiasts will remember
The Mighty Pearly Gates. The group
originated over 70 years ago in Tidewater, Virginia.
The Mighty Pearly Gates
recorded songs such as “Help Somebody Else” and “Holding On.” In 2003, the group
name was changed to
The NEW Mighty Pearly Gates. Thereafter, they group released
the CD Starting All Over Again. From their webpage it is revealed that “the word
“New” was added to the name to show not just the re-formation, but the rebirth of
a generation of gospel music.” The suggestion being that the group was back with
new members, but with that same traditional gospel quartet sound.
By 2008, the group’s name changed once again to
The New Pearly Gates. The
members of the group are Pastor James Harden, Raymond Perry, James Bell, Josh
Earl, Javon Johnson, Tommy Winborne, Marquise Hamlin and Jason Wills.
The group’s new CD was recorded at the St. Timothy Baptist Church, Suffolk, VA.
They delivered a great concert. There are eight songs on the
CD. They are “I Can’t Tell It,” “It’s Me,” “We Need To Pray,” “Ten Thousand,”
“Blessing Me,” “U Just Don’t Know,” Nobody’s Fault,” and “Listening.”
In terms of songs, this project offers a little something for all types of music
listeners. For those looking for that foot stompin' service go no further
than the hand clappin' foot stompin' “Listening.” This is by far one of those
selections that will grow on you. You will find yourself repeating the melody and
chorus line. For those looking for a solid praise and worship like selection then
you will definitely find it in "Ten Thousand." This song drips with the
gratefulness for God's ever abiding presence and mercy in our lives – we just
can’t thank HIM enough.
For those looking for ballads any of the other six (6)
songs will satisfy your palate. Listen closely to “Nobody’s Fault.”
Although this song has been recorded by numerous groups,
The Gates
gives it a fresh arrangement. By the way, this song has become a very
popular song in the quartet gospel genre. Some of the groups
that have recorded this song in recent years are
The Delmarva Singers,
The
Gospel Visions,
The Voices of Clouds,
Pure Heart Travelers,
The Dixie
Hummingbirds and
The Zionaires.
In terms of sound,
The New Pearly Gates'
live recording is very tight both
instrumentally and vocally. Because it is a live recording, the interaction one
would expect from the concert goers is missing. In fact on a couple of the songs
the guys inform those present that their participation is encouraged. The
absence of the audience interaction does not take away from the solid delivery
of each song by the group.
On the whole Walking The Path
is a good live gospel quartet project. You will not be disappointed by
adding this CD to your collection.
We give The New Pearly Gates'
Walk The Path
an 8.5 out of 10. To purchase this CD contact
the group at 757-696-6959. Click on the title to
hear “Nobody's
Fault."
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