The Gospel Connection - Back For The First Time CD Review

The Gospel Connection

Back For The First Time

This month we review The Gospel Connection’s CD Back For The First Time. The first thing that will draw you to this CD is the title – Back For The First Time. The statement appears to be saying something that is impossible – How can you be “Back” to something you have never experienced before? Well, our inquiring minds went to the source and asked the group what they were trying to convey with this title.

Their answer - “You're probably familiar with the scripture in Jeremiah 1, where it speaks of God knowing us before we were even formed. Meaning God knew who we [were] and knew our True Identity. He formed it! Also we know we were formed in the very thought and mind of God. So as time progressed and we matured holistically as a group, we began walking in our True, Predetermined, Stature. Some people can identify with the newness while others might [be able to] perceive it. That's why to some people we're just "BACK" with another CD but to those that truly have a spiritual insight they can see" THIS GOSPEL CONNECTION" is here for the first time. We haven't seen this group before. No more songs of old, God has given us new melodies, a Distinct Sound. Whereas before we were just singing Gospel, now, for the first time we're walking, talking, professing and living the True Gospel!”

The next thing that may attract you to this CD is the fact that the picture of the guys make them appear to be a group of young guys. We’ll they are. The ages of the group members range from 17 to 29. With their youth and talent, this group is in a great position to be the one to bridge the divide between the older gospel quartet groups (and their fans) and a new generation of younger gospel quartet fans. With the proper exposure this group could bring a lot of new (and young) gospel quartet fans to the genre.

After you get beyond the title and the youthful look of the group and actually listen to the CD you will become conscious of the fact that these guys can sing. The group was founded in the 1999 at a Youth Lock-In at High Ridge Baptist Church, Martinsville, Virginia. The initial members of the group were Brandon Penn, Roger Epps, Jr., Jamison Wimbursh, Torrey Via, and Andre Matthews. The current line-up also includes George “Rock Perkins, Jr., Michael Palmer, Minster Matthew Brown, Byron Coles, Chris Kirby, Tremane King, and Shawn Strickland. The members on the cover are (from top left clockwise) George “Rock” Perkins, Jr., Brandon Penn, Michael Palmer and Roger Epps, Jr.

There are 10 songs on this CD. The title, writer and lead singers of each song are as follows - 1 "Feel The Spirit" is written and sung by Roger Epps, Jr.; 2 "Blessed" is written and sung by Brandon Penn.; 3 "I'm Going Home" is written and sung by George Perkins, Jr.; 4 "All I Need" is written by George Perkins, Jr. and sung by Roger Epps, Jr.; 5 "Made A Vow" is written by George Perkins, Jr. and L. G. Glass, Jr. and is sung by Brandon Penn.; 6 "I Have Decided" is arranged and sung by Roger Epps, Jr.; 7 "Thank You" is written and sung by George Perkins, Jr.; 8 "Put Away Childish Things" is written and sung by Brandon Penn.; 9 "Good" is written and sung by George Perkins, Jr.; and 10 "Christ Is All" is arranged and sung by Roger Epps, Jr.

As reflected by the credits above, these guys are extremely talented. “Multi-talented” may be a good term to describe the members of the group. They write the songs and arrange the music. And, as stated above they can really sing.

All of the songs are worthy of your attention. You will hear ballads and upbeat tempos. “Made A Vow” will probably be considered the ‘drive’ song on the CD. The background harmony on each song is relatively tight. The musicians never overshadow the singers. There is just the right amount of instrumentation on each song.

This CD is certainly rooted in traditional gospel quartet style and sound. On the whole this release from The Gospel Connection is a good project. We give The Gospel Connection’s Back For The First Time a very solid 9 out of 10. To order this project contact the group at (276) 806-6370. Click on the title to hear “Feel The Spirit.”

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