2004 Independent Releases Overview

A year-end review should be a snapshot of the year’s activities.  Two Thousand Four was such a unique year in gospel quartet music.  Therefore, it is difficult to provide just a snapshot.  However, we shall attempt to provide an overview. 

There were many independent releases last year.  Unfortunately, time and space did not permit us to review all of them.  We did however review several of the best of the year. 

We began the year with The Bright Clouds “Bless Me.”  With well over 30 years of experience under their belt, this was the group's first nationally distributed project since their 1985 release "I'm Depending On You."  The project was recorded for First Lite Records and featured the production genius of former Gospel Hi-Lite musician and member Benny Hill. On a whole, the project is a mixture of original compositions and interesting arrangements of classic songs.

Next was The New Flint Cavaliers “Brand New.”  This was a great project from a group that whose last project remained on Billboards charts for 52 weeks.  “Brand New” kept moving up our Top 15 CDs chart.  In March we reviewed Eddie Jackson & The Harmony Echoes' “Comfort Me.”  The best word to describe this project is - WOW!  Eddie Jackson, a former member of the Canton Spirituals, was joined by some of the best in the industry in the production of this project.

The Sweet Singing Cava-Leers’ “At Our Best” was another project that made our Top 15 CDs Chart.  This project remained in the Top 15 for many months.   The late Walter Cook once led the group.  It is now being led by the former Gospel Keynote member Rev. George Easley, Deitrich Lacey, and Leo Brothers.   

The Original Five Blind Boys of Mississippi's “Not Gonna Shut Up” was reviewed during the month of June.    For well over 60 years The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi have been on the road traveling and praising God through song.  Though the group has had many members, their lead vocalist since the 1970s Mr. Sandy Foster still stands tall.  Delivering a great selection of songs, The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, with this project, showed their ability to adapt to the sounds of the times. 

July brought us to The Gospel Drifters, featuring Reggie Funderburk.  When the name Bill Pinkney is mention, people immediately think of The Drifters, and the “doo-wop” era of the 50’s and 60’s.  Few would associate Bill Pinkney with gospel quartet music.  Well, it is time to recognize Mr. Pinkney as a staple in the gospel quartet genre.  Their third project “What A Wonderful Change” is a hidden jewel.

Every now and then an artist puts out a CD that may not get much national attention, but is in fact a great CD.  It is becoming increasing more difficult for good artists to sign with a “major” labels.  Therefore, many are reverting to just doing their own thing.  And sometime they come up with a gem.  The project selected for the August review is such a gem.  The project, Paul Porter Presents Pastor Louis Johnson & Friends' “Without You” is sure to be one that you will play over and over.

September’s selected project was Willis Pittman & The Burden Lifters’ “Listen To What The Word Is Saying!”   Consistent with their style and story telling ability, Willis Pittman and The Burden Lifters delivered another project that is sure to be a favorite among their fans. 

The Original Northernaires’ “Your Blessing Is Coming” was chosen for the October review.  This project is a testament to the longevity of this group and the great vocals of its members.  In November we were pleased to review a group, with seasoned songsters, Joe Agee and The Good Ole’ Boys (GGOB).   Glory, Glory Hallelujah was not the group’s first project.  For many years the GGOB were know as The Gospel Interns. 

The final project reviewed in 2004 was True Believers’ “Home With Family and Friends.”  This 2004 release was recorded at Southwest Mississippi Community College, Summit, Mississippi.  It was difficult to believe that this is only the third recording by True Believers.  When you listen to “Home With Family and Friends,” you will readily conclude that these guys are seasoned professionals. 

Below you will find Gloryland Gospel top 5 independent labels or artists picks of 2004 and the top 15 groups to watch in 2005.  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 represent their ranking.  God Bless and we look forward to an exciting 2005 for gospel quartet music. 

Top 5 Independent Releases of 2004

        1.    The Original Five Blind Boys of Mississippi "Not Gonna Shut Up"

  2.    Eddie Jackson & The Harmony Echoes “Comfort Me”

  3.    The Original Northernaires "Your Blessing Is Coming"

  4.    The Sweet Singing Cava-Leers "At Our Best"

  5.    True Believers "Home With Family And Friends”

15 Groups to Watch in 2005

·             1.     Evelyn Turrentine-Agee – Look out for the powerhouse Live recording!

·             2.     The Memphis Harmonizers – You will definitely be talking about their new project.

·             3.     Lil' Blair & The New Violinaires – Their new release will hopefully have been worth the wait.

·             4.     The Soul Stirrers – Together again – WOW! 

              5.     Redemption – Watch out for these guys from Mississippi.

              6.     The Jackson Sisters – We are waiting on Malaco. 

              7.     The Selvy Singers – It is your time to shine.  

              8.     Gerald Hinton & The Redeemers – Moving to national recognition?

              9.     The Swanee Quintet – Their new project will keep the group on everyone’s mind.

             10.    Jackson Southernaires - Will they still be with Melendo?

             11.    Paul Beasley – With our without the Keynotes!

             12.    The Edwards Sisters – With the right promotion, they should make the national charts.

             13.    Minister Teddy Cross – Doing the Master’s will. 

             14.    The Evereadys – Everyone is ready for The Evereadys.

             15.    The rise in the quality of products from Independent Labels.  The year will be full of surprises.