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Two Thousand Eight was another
good year for independent labels and artists. It seemed that more new
artists came on the scene during 2008 and they ventured into releasing their
own product instead of relying upon a label. We receive a great amount of
independently released CDs in 2008. Some that were not reviewed by us in
2008 may make it into a review during 2009. It was great to see a
significant increase in the number of independently released by female
quartet groups. We expect the number of independent release to really
explode in 2009.
As to the independent CDs we reviewed in 2008, we began the year with a review of
Nikki D & The Browns.
The group is from Toledo, Ohio. They started singing while in their youth.
They have horn their vocal and musical talents and we are the beneficiary of
their efforts. The new CD, God Is So Wonderful, is sure
to introduce these young ladies to the world. The ladies give us
a mixture of up tempo, ballads, and drive songs. Many of the songs will have
you tapping your feet, clapping your hands and rejoicing while sending up
praises to our Lord and Savior. And, just when you think you have heard it
all from the ladies they go A Cappella. Their version of "Break
Bread" is one of the best we have heard in quite some time. The
uniqueness of the arrangement is so refreshing. The harmony is so smooth. In
fact, the background vocals are tight on all of the tracks. The ladies
ability to harmonize no matter what the arrangement to the song is
exceptional. This group is often described as being electrifying,
anointed, energized. We think that once you hear this new release, you will
concur with this description of the group. While this CD is representative
of the group's style and sound one can only surmise what these ladies sound
like at a live concert.
In February we reviewed the Got A Healing by
The Willie Harris Gospel Singers
out of Chicago, Illinois. This group certainly has a unique sound and
style. All of their recordings are rooted in traditional gospel
quartet music, yet you will notice a touch of blues and a dab of
contemporary being prominent on some of the songs. There are 15 tracks
on this project, but only 10 songs. The recoding begins with a thirty-thee
seconds intro of I Still Remember. The first complete
track is So Good. This mid-tempo song reminds us of
how Good God has been to us and that we should never forget to say thank
you Jesus. The next song is Take It To The Lord.
There is a powerful message in this ballad. No matter what is going on
in your life, take it to the Lord and the vehicle to do so is by Prayer.
The arrangement to this song is one of the best on the CD and the background
harmony is just right.
In March we reviewed the new CD of a group from Radcliff, Kentucky,
The Peacemakers.
Their freshman recording is titled We Gonna Make It. The
group was formed in February 2005. Since their formation, the group
has honed their talents by singing on programs in their area. Having
developed a unique style that incorporates blues, jazz and the best of
gospel quartet arrangements, the group delivers a very good CD. The
songs will have you clapping your hands and moving your feet. In
addition, you will find that significant, important and relevant messages
are delivered by each song. This is one of the best independent
released CD of 2008.
In April we introduced you to
Marla & The Boyz.
Their 2007 freshman recording is titled Psalms. This
group consists of Ms. Marla Barnes and her two (2) sons, Zachariah and
Charles.
The Boyz
were really at the time of the recording Charles was 16 and Zachariah was 9
years old. Charles is an excellent drummer and Zachariah has
been blessed with musical talents that is demonstrated in his ability to
play the piano, organ, and drums. Zachariah is also a gifted composer and
music writer. In 2003 the Marla and the boys started singing as a trio
around their community under the name
Momma and the Boys.
In September of 2006 Zachariah wrote and composed his first song Heaven
is the place. While preparing to record their first CD, the
decision was made to change the name of the group to
Marla & The Boyz.
The Selvys
were the subject of our
May review. This group is from Earle, Arkansas. Their new
release is titled Get Up And Live You Ain't Dead No More.
This is a family group. The singers are sisters. And, other family members
make up the band. Rev. Selvy has faithfully guided his daughters through the
treacherous ups and downs of being gospel singers. Under the tutelage
of Minister George Stewart, Executive Director of the AGQC, they have honed
their talents, learn the music industry and patiently waited their turn to
share the spotlight with many of the giants in gospel music. This CD, by the
way, was recorded at the 15th gathering of the American Gospel Quartet
Convention in January 2007. It was released in March 2008. According
to the liner notes, this "CD represents the Selvys first International
Release and is the manifestation of one of the may blessings they have been
ordained to deliver unto the world." In our predition of the Top
15 groups to watch in 2008, we indicated that 2008 would be their year.
It was their year?
In July 2006, we introduced you
to The Gospel
Imperials of
Huntsville, Alabama. Since that time this group has really solidified
themselves as one of the must see groups in gospel music. So it was fitting
that in June 2008, we introduce their new CD titled Heaven.
As stated in our review of their prior CD, they have a strong lead singer,
extraordinary vocals, tight harmony, smooth timing, and a great message in
each song. One factor that allows a group to excel in this industry is
stability. The members of the group are Thomas W. Holman, Sr., Thomas W.
Holman, Jr,, Richmond Malone, Terry Miller, Dean Davis, Archie King, Timothy
Wallace, Randy Howell and David Talley. From this line-up in is easy to see
that the core personnel have not changed. Therefore, they have been able to
focus on delivering an exceptional traditional gospel CD to the marketplace,
instead of having to deal with uncertainty of personnel changes.
Thomas W. Holman, Sr., is still the lead singer for this group. To a great
extent he is the anchor that holds this group together. He has all of the
trappings to be one of the outstanding lead singers in gospel music.
For the month of July we spotlighted
Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual
Seven Gospel Singers.
There are some groups that just keep putting out good gospel music.
Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual
Seven Gospel Singers are
one of those groups. Each recording has taken this group to a higher
level in ministry and in the gospel music industry. One of the reasons
this group delivers each time is the longevity of its members. The
group has been in existence for over forty (40) years. According to
the liner notes the group consist of four original members and the other
are brothers, sons and grandsons. Obviously, longevity has allowed
this group to jell to the point that they move through each song like
clockwork. They are indeed smooth. It was difficult to select any one
particular song to showcase. It is safe to say, each person listening
to this CD may find a different song that will cause them to play this CD
over and over. The selections are just that varied and the recording
is just that good.
For August we reviewed the new release by
Debra Snipes
& The Angels titled
Seek Jesus - Recorded Live In Albany, GA. Ms. Snipes is no stranger
to the gospel music industry. The first time we heard the project titled
The Gathering All The Saints, we knew that she was going to be a
mainstay in the industry. She is on the J. Platinum Record label.
With that label she has recorded at least seven (7) projects, the previously
mentioned The Gathering All The Saints, Standing On The
Promises of God, It's A Blessing To Be Alive,
Who's In Charge Jesus, Cover Me Jesus, So Many
Times The Lord Made A Way For Me. This is a 'live' recording. But,
at times, it appears to be more of another studio project. We understand
that there is a DVD of the recording in the works. That may provide the
audience participation that you would expect from a live recording.
In September we reviewed Live In Willacoochee by
Brothers & Sisters.
As the names suggest
this is a family group. The recording occurred on Sunday, September 3,
2006. The guest artists on this recording are saxophonist
Rev. Al & Pashion Lewis,
Percy Griffin of The
Swanee Quintet, and
Marla.
There are only seven (7) songs on this project. However, there is over
fifty minutes of music on this project. The recording was produced by
Eric Sharper of Dream Reality Production. Eric is well know for being
a producer that allows the artist to be themselves. In other words, he does
not try to make them sound like someone else. He certainly applied that
principle to this recording.
For the month of October we reviewed Live In Michigan by
Solid Rock.
The CD was released in 2007. It is one of those CD that you might not pick
up initially, but once you do, it is hard to put down. As reflected in
the name, this is a recording of a live concert. The concert took place at
Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Saginaw, Michigan. This is a great LIVE
recording. The congregation can be heard interacting with the group
throughout this hour long concert. You get the impression that the group
really enjoyed singing and that the congregation showed their appreciation
by being an active part of the services.
In November we took a close look at Closer To Home by
The Sensationals.
When we received the CD, we wonder if it was a reincarnation of the group
Jimmy Jones & The
Sensationals.
Well, we quickly realize that is was not. This group is from
Cedartown, Georgia. The members are from the same family. This
is the group's third recording. What we liked about the CD is that it
is a refreshing change from many of the projects being released today. For
instance, there is really not much instrumentation. Listen closely and
you will not hear any synthesizers. No fancy chords. No heavy drum
lines. Even the bass and lead guitars are in the shadows. The group
also uses some of the colloquialism of the 40s and 50s quarter singers, like
I Done Done and Mama/Papa done prayed for me. There is a down home
feel to a lot of their songs. It is always good to receive a
quality recording from an unknown group. This one is certainly a well put
together project.
We closed the year with
Herman Ellis & The Dynamic Queen
City Aires' newest CD
is titled Standing At The Crossroads. This group was
formed in 1996. Standing At The Crossroads is their sophomore
release. The producer for this project is Kevin Clouds. He was the
producer of the highly successful 2008 project by
The Fantastic Violinaires
Revived. From the first song, you realize that these
guys are heavily rooted in traditional gospel quartet, with a real southern
flavor. The guys are not trying to sound like some other group. But,
with the selection of songs on this CD you will find yourself comparing them
to some of the great groups of the past.
It was indeed another great year for independents. We look with much
anticipation to 2009.
Below you will find Gloryland Gospel top 5 independent labels or artists
picks of 2008 and the top 15 independent groups to watch in 2009. This
list is in no way all inclusive, however if you're looking for the best of
the best you will definitely want to add these recordings to your music
collection. The order in which the projects are listed does not
necessarily represent their ranking. God Bless and we look forward to
an exciting 2009 for gospel quartet music.
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