2009 National Releases Overview

Last year was another banner year for gospel quartet music and the major labels.  Once again, MALACO, Worldwide, MCG and other major labels delivered great gospel quartet CDs to the marketplace in 2009. 

We began 2009 with a review of The Racy Brothers’ Live From Dumas, Arkansas.  Bethlehem Worship Center, Dumas, Arkansas was the setting for this recording.  The producers were Walter Witherspoon and Dwight Gordon.  You will find great lead vocals and very tight background harmony throughout this recording.  More importantly, each song delivers a spiritual message that you can use in your daily lives.  Lee Williams (of Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s) joining the brothers on "Touch Me."
 

For February we celebrated Black History Month by reviewing The Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet’s Rock My Soul is a collection of SOME of the recordings from their repertoire for the period 1937 to 1946.  Rock My Soul consists of 29 tracks.  This group has a rich history.  The year was 1934 when Orlandus Wilson, Willie Johnson, William Langford, and Henry Owens organized The Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet in Norfolk, VA.  The word ‘Jubilee’ in their name is significant.  In that, their early sound was deeply rooted in the ‘Jubilee’ spiritual style.  Jubilee was a style of singing gospel music that is attributed to The Fisk Jubilee Singers. 
 

In March, we reviewed the project from the ‘the Brothers’ titled The Journey Continues. . . . ..  It is vintage traditional gospel quartet music.  The project will also be noted for the guest appearances by Kirk Franklin and Lisa Knowles of The Brown Singers.  The final song on the CD is “I Tried Jesus.”  The Brothers seem to be enjoying themselves on this one. You actually hear Andre Tate interacting with the Brothers.  This one will probably get the most airplay.

 In April, we reviewed Reloaded by The Supreme Angels.  One of the challenges for any gospel quartet group is being able to survive the passing of their point man.  History suggests moving forward is easier said than done.  Many groups, some at the top of their popularity, have faltered after their lead singer (or otherwise point man) dies.  Accordingly, it was with much anticipation that The Supreme Angels recorded their first project since the passing of their point man Rev. Howard “Slim” Hunt.  The adjective ‘loaded’ suggests being “equipped with an abundance of options” or “staffed with excellent players.”  Therefore, one can deduce from the title of the CD that it is about letting the world know that the group has been re-equipped with an abundance of options.  They have re-staffed themselves with excellent singers and musicians.  And, are ready to once again take the rightful place as one of the premier gospel quartet groups in the country.

In May we visited Sontag, MIssissippi.  Paul Porter solo project is A New Day.  The project will immediately remind you of The Christianaires.  It is probably a ‘good thing,’ in that; Paul did not try to deviate from who he actually is.  The background singers, on this one, are worthy of note. They are Timiney Figueroa-Caton, Darrell Cunningham, and Latoya Duggan.  Also joining Paul on this project are Rance Allen, Harvey Watkins, Jr., and Spanky Williams.

In June we reviewed The Gospel Legends' Transition. The Gospel Legends are from Columbia, SC. And, some members of the group can claim to have been around gospel music for a long time.  Several of the guys have family members that have been in the gospel music industry for years.  However, most of the group members are only in their twenties, so it is safe to say they have not been around long enough to call themselves “Legends.” But, in a way, they are legends.  This group has all of the trappings of many of the legendary groups; such as, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Gospel Keynotes, The Swanee Quintet, The Soul Stirrers, The Dixie Hummingbirds, and even The Supreme Angels.  When you listen to The Gospel Legends, you get the impression that they have been heavily influenced by these and other groups from the early days of gospel quartet music.  The group's sound also reminds the listener of the type of gospel music that dominated the airways in the 50s, 60s and 70s.
 

For this the month of July we took a look at probably one of the most exciting groups on the road today.  That group is none other than the Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson & The Spiritual Voices.  Their new release is titled Stronger Than Ever. This new CD is destined to keep Keith and the guys active among their diehard fans on the gospel quartet circuit.  This project appears to confirm Keith and The Spiritual Voices return to Worldwide Music (now Gospel Truth).  While there are some good songs on this project, many may not make it to the airways. This is one of those projects that, as a fan of the artist, you will play it over and over. At the same time, don’t be disappointed if you cannot find the songs being played by your favorite Radio Angel.
 

In August, we reviewed The Brown Sisters' Live In Chicago.  From the first song on their CD to the end, you are left with the undeniable fact that The Brown Sisters can sing.  They are musicians, songwriters and great vocalists.  And, the Sisters know how to deliver a song.  With this project they deliver songs for a world that need to hear the Word. The new CD gives you some contemporary, some Praise and Worship, and some traditional.   

In September we reviewed Renewed by Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites.  The first thing that caught our attention about this CD was the title.  The word 'renewed' is defined as “to begin something again, or return to doing something.”  Another definition is to “give somebody or something new energy, strength, or enthusiasm. So, what about this group or their new CD that would cause them to title it Renewed?  Well, if you have followed this group, you know 2008 and 2009 have been busy years for them.  The group started 2008 with a new CD, The Answer Is In The Music.  The group toured throughout the year and ended 2008 with a live recording and the first ever Bridge The Gap Tour, between Christmas and New Year.  Two Thousand Nine found the group celebrating their leader’s 60th birthday, signing with a new label, touring every weekend, and taking part in a monthly television broadcast. Also, the group added a new member, Melvin Wilson.  Maybe the title reflects the new energy the group conveys on stage. There concerts are always exciting and those in attendance can "Feel Him Moving" the entire time these guys are on stage.  Or, maybe the title reflects the enthusiasm that the infusion of a new member would have on any group.  Or, maybe this CD marks the group renewing their commitment to doing what they have always done, delivered good gospel quartet music.  Or, just maybe it confirms the group’s RENEWED dedication to serve our Lord and Savior and to minister to the world the Good News through gospel music. 

The Bishop was the subject of our October review, Darrell McFadden & The Disciples' Untouchable (Isaiah - 54:17).  The CD has all of the trappings of a live recording. There seems to be about a 50/50 split on studio and "Live" tracks and the CD definitely contains a variety of sounds.  There are songs that were recorded at the 2009 Blockbuster Showcase in Florence, South Carolina on this project, more about that later.  Another reason for the ‘live’ feeling to the project is that the group brings a lot of energy to many of the songs. For this project the group consisted of the Bishop, Prathan “Spanky” Williams, Antrum “Tron” Sherrills, Anthony “Sophomore” Sherrills, Robbie Baldwin, Terance “Bamps” Key, Tyrell “Big Tye” Thomas, and Michael “Nitty” Beast.  There is a good mix of fast, drive, mid-tempo and ballads.  And, as with all of the Bishop’s recent projects Spanky gets to showcase is extraordinary vocal talents.
 

In November we reviewed I Won’t Complain by The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi.  Sandy Foster is still anchoring the lead vocals for the group.  He is joined by Charles Mongue, Willie Glover, Ollis Thomas, Jesse Brown, his brother Curtis Foster, Robert Lewis, Johnny Garrett, Kevin Mathew and Freddi Bethea.  This project is nothing but down home gospel quartet music. And, to a great extend it is also a compilation of previous recordings by the Blind Boys.  In fact, if you have the project Jesus Is A Rock, you have most of the songs on the CD I Won’t Complain.  Don’t let the existence of other recordings by the group that contain the songs from this project cause you to shy away from I Won’t Complain. 
 

We ended the year with The Jackson Southernaires' Destiny.  This group consistently delivers good gospel quartet music.  They have been at it for about seventy (70) years.  So, it is no surprise that their most recent project, Destiny, would be a favorite of gospel quartet fans everywhere.  One of the first things you will notice from the CD cover is that there is a new member of the group.  Rev. R. L. Bush joins Huey Williams, Maurice Surrell, and James Burks on this project. Rev. Bush is no stranger to gospel music.  Rev. Bush does add a new dimension to the vocals of The Jackson Southernaires.  However, make no mistake about it, the signature and unique vocals of Huey Williams are still the trademark sound of the group.  When it comes to lead singers, no one does it better than Huey Williams.
 

As reflected from the reviews,  2009 saw many of the legends of the gospel quartet genre returning to the marketplace.  In addition to the CDs that were reviewed, there were others that deserved your attention.  Take a look at the Gloryland Gospel CD Store for a list of all of the gospel quartet projects released by the major labels in 2009.

We believe that 2010 will be another active year for the major label.
 

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Below you will find the Gloryland Gospel's top 5 picks of the year 2009 and the top 15 national groups to watch in 2010.  This list is in no way all inclusive, however if you're really looking for the best of the best you will definitely want to add these recordings to your quartet library.  God Bless and we look forward to great releases from the major labels in 2010.

Top 5 National Releases of 2009

1.  Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's "Fall On Me"

2. Clarence Fountain, Sam Butler and The Boys "Stepping Up & Stepping Out"
3.  Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites "Renewed"
4. The Gospel Legends "Transition"

5. Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson & The Spiritual Voices "Stronger Than Ever"
 

15 Groups to Watch in 2010

1. Spencer Taylor & The Highway QC's - Watch for something new in 2010.
2. The Fantastic Violinaires – 2009 was a good year, but in 2010 we need to see (and hear) something new.
3. The Christianaires - To good to be on the sideline.
4. The Singing Disciples – Even if they return to their old name, it is time for a new 'song.'
5. The Canton Spirituals – Time for another video.
6. The Gospel Four – Waiting on that CD and Video.
7. The New Gospel Keynotes – Another group on the sideline.
8. The Mighty Clouds of Joy – What about another Live In Charleston CD and DVD?
9. The Singing Stars – Whatever label pick them up will have a jewel.
10. The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi – Still waiting on that Augusta LIVE recording?

11. The Caravans – Pave The Way was great.  Time for another.
12. The Swan Silvertones – Rumors abound - waiting on the CD.
13. The Brooklyn All Stars – This legendary group deserves to be on a major label with a new music.

14. Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites - Understand they might add a fifth man and a new DVD.
15.  The Jackson Sisters - Time for MALACO to take this group to another level.

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