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2005 Independent Releases Overview | ||||
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| We indicated in previous writings that 2005 was going to be the year of the independent labels and artists. And true to this statement, it was a great year for independent labels and artists. The recordings from independents are now in the same league as those from the major labels. No longer are the artists dependent solely on the ‘major’ labels to have a great CD. One that is a hit, and one that should be in the collection of all gospel music fans, not just those that love gospel quartet music.
There were so many recordings by independents released in 2005 until time would not permit us to list them all. However, in addition to the twelve that we reviewed, there were some that merit special recognition. For instance, Dr. Fred A Jones, Sr. and The Jones Family Singers have taken to heart the motto of Gloryland Gospel and presented a project that is definitely “Taking It To The Next Level.” Rev. Andrew Cheairs and The Songbirds' new project titled “Make Up Your Mind” is a good live recording. Candice Thomas, at 15 years of age, has the vocals of Evelyn Turrentine-Agee, Vickie Winnan and Dottie Peoples. This young lady is reflective of the fact that there are young people ready to take the banner and keep gospel quartet music alive. She is also a very good songwriter. Her newest project “A New Beginning" is a must for your collection. Charlie Brownlee & The New Gospel Aires’ “Sing” is powerful. Brotherly Luv, from Mckinney, Texas has a project titled “Redeemed.” You will not be disappointed in this CD. And don’t forget the exciting new recording by The Mighty Aires. We reviewed their DVD – "Breakthrough."
We began the year with a review of Humility Music Group’s artist Charles Davis & The Clouds. Their debut CD is titled “Trust In Jesus.” The project was recorded live at the Bama Theater, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. According to Glenn Stevenson, CEO of Humility Music Group, Charles Davis & The Clouds has been singing for quite sometime. That is certainly reflected in this project. This group is indeed ready for national recognition.
In February we reviewed The Alabama Boys’ new project “No Way I Can Lose.” The Alabama Boys came back on the scene in a mighty way. It is safe to say that The Alabama Boys’ “No Way I Can Lose” was one of the best releases in gospel music in 2005. And we understand that they are already beginning to work on a new project.
The Sons of Faith of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was spotlighted in March. Their freshman project is “Take It To Jesus.” Nothing about this CD would suggest that it is from guys that have never recorded together before. One of the unique aspects of the CD is that The Sons of Faith is not trying to sound like some other group. They truly have their own sound and style. Although they do several songs that have been recorded by others, they have not tried to sound like the groups that previously recorded the songs.
Another freshman project from another group was the subject of the April review. The Christian Souls of Indianapolis, Indiana, project is “Don't Give Up - "Live" in Indianapolis, IN.” It is not often that a group’s first project that deserves national attention is a live recording. The Christian Souls went against the odds and came up with a great project. Upon putting the CD into your player you will immediately realize that these guys can sing. And although this is a traditional gospel quartet recording you need not worry about the group sounding like anyone else. Not only are the songs original, but the sound is also. All of the songs were written by members of the group.
May gave us the opportunity to review The Bell Singers of Memphis, Tennessee. This group is a hidden treasure. This is an exceptionally good group. They deserve to be on the national stage. They are not new to the recording industry. They have five prior recordings to their credit. Their new project is titled “God Is Wonderful.” And this is a “Wonderful” project. From the first tract which is the title of the CD to the thirteenth and final tract “He’s Coming,” you will find nothing but good traditional gospel quartet music with a down home feel to it. To say that these ladies can sing is putting it lightly. They are vocally very versatile. In fact, it appears from the credits on the CD liner that each member of the group sings lead. In addition, you will appreciate the musical arrangement of each of the songs.
For the month of June we looked at one of the many groups that may not have been a household name, but is able to deliver outstanding traditional gospel music. That group was none other than Michel Carter & 2nd Generation. This group is not new to the recording industry. In 2002 they released the project “When I Think About His Goodness.” The group was organized in 1997 in Monroe, Louisiana. The members of the group are second generation singers. Whether this fact had anything to do with the naming of the group, we are not sure, however, it is certainly fitting. Because you will immediately realize that these guys’ musical roots are very deep and strong. This group is very talented. Although, they are definitely a gospel quartet group, their musical style takes a page right out of the Rhythm and Blues genre and the Jazz genre – more so than any other gospel quartet group in recent times.
For the month of July we reviewed the new CD by The Gospel Legends. These guys may not be legends yet; and they may not have been in the gospel music industry long enough to obtain that title, but when you listen to their new project, “Brothers,” you will probably agree that they are on their way to becoming legends and that they have paid homage to the legends of gospel quartet music throughout this project.
The review for August was quite interesting, in that we reviewed the CD of a group that has gone through many name changes. If you are familiar with the Melodyaires, the first thing you will notice about their new project is that the name of the group has been modified. In checking our prior recordings from this group we notice that they have move from being The Dynamic Melodyaires, to Kenny Davis Featuring The Dynamic Melodyaires, to Kenny Davis & Melodyaires. The common word in each of the name is “melody.” One of the definitions of the word “melody” is A pleasing succession or arrangement of sounds. This definition is very fitting for this project. The ten (10) tracks on this project certainly represent a pleasing arrangement of songs. Their new project is titled “Sing About Jesus.” They are truly singing the Word in song.
In September we introduced to you the group Spiritual One from New Jersey. We indicated to you that if you were looking for a fresh yet traditional gospel quartet sound, then this project is for you. Spiritual One’s new project is titled “A New Beginning.” On this project, you will find some of the old mixed in with the new.
For the month of October stayed in the northeast and reviewed the group The Chosen Sons of Lusby Maryland new release “Something Good For Everyone.” The title of the project clearly reflects what is contained on the CD. There is something on this project for anyone interested in good gospel music. It does not matter whether you favor choir, or ensemble, or contemporary, or traditional gospel music, you will find something on this CD you like.
When we stated reviewing quartet recording in 2001, one of the first group’s project we reviewed was from the group Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven of Wirtz, Virginia. At that time we indicated that this group was and “up and coming group on the quartet circuit.” Well, with their recording titled "Be Careful How You Treat Me," this group has arrived. This studio project consists of thirteen tracks that are a mixture of solid 60’s and 70’s traditional sound to today’s modern gospel quartet sound.
We closed out the year with another outstanding project. We indicated that just when you think you have heard the best that Mississippi has to offer in the way of gospel quartet groups, you get a CD that leave you asking the questions – who are these guys? And where have they been? The CD we were referring to is the new project by The Crown of Joy titled “An Evening With The Crowns (Live and More)." The group has been in existence for about twenty-five (25) years. And it shows in how the guys move from ballads to up-tempo songs without skipping a beat. Not only is there a distinctive lead singer, Wayne Byas Wooten, but the background harmony is tight on each of the songs. "An Evening With The Crowns" is the group’s fourth recording. What a way to end the year.
It was indeed a great year for independents. We look with much anticipation to 2006.
Below you will find Gloryland Gospel top 5 independent labels or artists picks of 2005 and the top 15 groups to watch in 2006. 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 2006 for gospel quartet music.
Top 5 Independent Releases of 2005
1. The Alabama Boys "No Way I Can Lose" 2. The Crowns of Joy "An Evening With The Crowns (Live and More) 3. Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven "Be Careful How You Treat Me" 4. Charles Davis & The Clouds "Trust In Jesus" 5. The Bell Singers of Memphis, Tennessee "God Is Wonderful"
15 Groups to Watch in 2006
· 1. Redemption – Waiting to hear from you! · 2. Eternal Light – It’s time for a new project. · 3. The Brewsteraires – Still singing, but will they record in 2006? 4. The Gospel Warriors – A live recording, with video, would be great. 5. The Selvy Singers – The world is waiting. 6. The Sons of The Soul Revivers – What will follow “I’m A New Creature.” 7. The Virgin Aires – Live In The Country 2? 8. Brian Mayes and Heavenbound – Will we get a new recording in 2006? 9. The Prodigal Sons – Is something in the works? 10. The Messengers – Would be great to hear from them again. 11. The New Gospel Keynotes – The Talley Brothers and Teddy???? 12. The Starlight Singers – Would be great to hear from these guys. 13. The Electrified Woods Brothers – They should make the national charts. 14. Greg Kelly and Foundation – Look for a new recording in 2006. 15. The quality of products from Independent Labels will continue to improve. |
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