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This month we review the most recent
release by The Spiritual
Voices of Washington, DC.
Their 2008 release is titled Satisfied. This group is no stranger
to gospel music.
From their web presence we learn that the group was originally organized by the
late Delores (Libby) Brace. At that time, they were an A Cappella
group known as The Supreme
Voices. With the
death of Ms. Brace, it was necessary for the group to reorganize. So, in 2001,
the group was renamed The
Spiritual Voices.
The current members of the group are Chevela Garvin, Novata Coleman, Marlena
Dobbs, Rhonda Bachman, Viola Beecher, Rashida Coleman, William Coleman (Bass
Guitar), Reginald Jerry (Drummer), Jeffrey Garvin (Lead and Rhythm Guitar), and
Larry Fitzgerald (keyboard). Also, lending talents to this CD are David
Richardson (Lead and Rhythm Guitar), Carl Britt (Keyboards, horns, and strings).
Many gospel quartet fans know Carl Britt as Benny Hill formerly of
Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites.
The Spiritual Voices
have a very unique style to their singing. They contend it is a mixture
of . . . neo-soul, country, jazz, traditional, quartet and even a little
calypso. We would add bluegrass and southern gospel to the mix.
Yes, they certainly are rooted in the gospel quartet genre. However, their
ability to pull from the various sub-genres of gospel music, provides the
listener a refresh sound that still ministers the Word through song.
The CD begins with the title song, "Satisfied." This is a
re-work of the song recorded by
The Swan Silvertones,
The Pilgrim Wonders,
Rev. Melvin L. Kenniebrew
and The Sensational Saints, The Gospel Keynotes,
and others. It is good, however, to hear it being sung by a female group. At
seven minutes and twenty eight seconds, it is the longest song on the project.
The tempo picks up a little with Good to Me. This is
followed by Country Song. Country Song aptly
describes the sub-genre for this track. The group takes you to the country
on this one. If you remember
The Five Singing Sons of North
going country with "I Saw The Light," then you get the idea about
the arrangement to Country Song.
"Blessed Assurance" showcases the groups ability to handle
ballads. This is one of those songs that have been recorded by numerous
artists, from soloists to choirs. When someone records a song that has
been the subject of so many recordings, you look to see if the artist has made
the recording something special. Well, on this one, they did.
Recognizing the groups history of singing A Cappella, this is one
of the songs that you can envision them singing without any accompaniment.
The arrangement matches perfectly the group vocals. The background singers
are at their best on this one.
Take a Ride has a Caribbean feel to it. This up-tempo song
is certain to be one perform by the group at concerts. The interact between the
lead and background singers leaves you with the desire to want to see this song
perform live. This is followed by Waiting On Jesus and I
Know He Lives.
The arrangement to Walk With Me gives the impression that a
choir is in the background. That is a great testament to the powerful
vocals of the background singers. The instrumentation contributes to the impression
that a choir is in the background. This song will probably get the most
airplay.
Just for Me is a ballad giving thanks to our Lord and Savior.
Praise and worship is the order of the day with this song. Next is Yes
I Will. The arrangement to this song is right out of the 70s. The
influence of Lucille Pope,
The Angelic Gospel Singers,
and The Caravans
can be heard throughout this song.
Lil David shares lead duty with Chevela Garvin on "Right With Jesus."
This is followed by the final track, New Jerusalem. New
Jerusalem will probably be considered the drive song. This is
another song with a unique arrangement. It is indeed the ideal song to close the
CD. It will have you clapping your hands and desiring to hear more from
this group.
"Right With Jesus" was written by David Merritte. Except for the "Blessed
Assurance," "Take A Ride" and "Walk With Me"
all other songs were written by Lead Singer Chevela Garvin.
On the whole this new release from
The Spiritual Voices of Washington, DC is
worthy of your attention. We give Satisfied by
The Spiritual Voices of Washington, DC an
8.5 out of 10. To purchase this project contact the group at 410-358-9661. Click on the title to hear New
Jerusalem.
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