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For this month's independent review we look at one of quartet gospel's rising
stars.
Bishop Joe Clark and AeroFaith
are out of the New York/New Jersey area. The new CD is titled I'm Blessed.
This group
truly have a unique sound (and style) of gospel. At the same time they will
remind you of many of the groups on the road today. Such as, a youthful version
(if that’s possible) of
Darrell McFadden and The Disciples.
The group has been described as being “able to produce hard hitting rock and
quartet grooves along with sweet singing contemporary ballads, yet keeping the
soulful/Spiritual sound of Gospel.” “To this group of Young men, music ministry
means everything so they give everything they have!” The members of the group
are Bishop Clark, Jerel Brown, Erskine Barrino, Wayne "Styles" Jones, Antonio
Taylor, George Johnson, Calvin Jackson, Antoine Mathis.
The project contains some of the tightest arrangements in the industry today.
You have to look twice to make sure that this project was self-produced. The
major record label that signs
Bishop Clark & AeroFaith
will receive a group that is already positioned to be the next ‘superstar’ of
this genre.
One can only imagine what heights this group could reach under the direction of
the right major record label. They have the singers. The lead singers are
outstanding. The background harmony is smooth and very tight. They have the
musicians. They have the songs – they wrote each song on the CD. The have the
musical talent to arrange songs – they arranged all of the songs on the CD. And,
they have the energy to excite any crowd. Plus, not lost in all of the talent is
the fact that they love to praise our Lord and Savior. They testify from
life’s experiences. They encourage the listener. They will ‘move’ you.
The project opens with a "I’m Blessed," which was written and
arranged by Bishop Clark. What a great drive song. From the first stroke
of the guitar it is evident that this group is ready to minister. Yes, the song
will cause you to look at the CD cover for names like Darrell McFadden, Prathan
“Spanky” Williams, Antrum “Tron” Sherrills, Anthony “Sophomore” Sherrills,
Robbie Baldwin, Terance “Bamps” Key, Tyrell “Big Tye” Thomas, and Michael
“Nitty” Beast. But, no this is not
The Disciples.
Instead,
AeroFaith
establishes that they are ready to deliver a hard drive song and ready for the
national stage.
Another drive song on the project is "What He’s Done For Me.” On
this one, you will be left thinking “am I listening to
The Mighty Clouds of Joy
in the background? Or, did I just hear
Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites
in the background? Or, do I hear
Harvey Watkins,Jr.?”
What you hear is
AeroFaith
showcasing their ability to sing with the best of the best of the gospel quartet
genre. Another name that comes to mind on this one is the late
Roger Bryant, Jr.,
of
The Jackson Southernaires.
We cannot close this review without the mentioning the song “Change.”
Jerrel Brown handles most of the lead duties on this ballad. If there were any
suspicions that this group might be one dimensional and only able to handle
up-tempo to hard drive songs, Jerrell put those misgivings to rest. The guys are
just as comfortable with ballads. And, yes you will find the arrangement
reminding you of some of
The Canton Spirituals
and
The Swanee Quintet’
songs. Not a problem. Because,
AeroFaith leaves
no doubt that this is their song.
There are eleven (11) songs on this project. We have only mentioned three (3) in
this review. It is safe to say all of the songs are worthy of your attention.
It is often said that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” -- so what
better tribute could be offered to some of the greats of this genre than to have
a group that epitomizes all that is good about gospel quartet music to
acknowledge them in their style and delivery. Along with the groups
already mentioned in this review. You will hear resemblances to
The Gospel Keynotes,
The Brooklyn All-Stars,
the late
Willie Banks & The Messengers,
The Soul Stirrers,
The Pilgrim Jubilees,
the late
Tommy Ellison & The Singing Stars,
and background singing like
The Northernaires.
Overall this is a very good project by
Bishop Joe Clark & AeroFaith. You should be able to find
this CD in your local record store. We give
Bishop Joe Clark & AeroFaith’s
I'm Blessed a solid 9 out of 10. Click
HERE to purchase the CD online. Click on the
title to hear
"What
He's Done For Me." |
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