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2005 National Releases Overview | ||||
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| What a year 2005 was for gospel quartet music. There were many new projects released. There were several labels that brought their first project to the market place. And probably one of the most significant events to occur was the merger of two of the major labels in gospel quartet music MALACO and AIR Gospel.
MALACO is more than just a gospel label. It has a significant Rhythm and Blues catalogue. MALACO also owns many other labels; such as Freedom Records, J-Town Records, Malaco Jazz Records, Muscle Shoals Sound, Muscle Shoals Sound Gospel and Savoy Records. MALACO also serves as the distribution vehicle for labels like MCG, Marxan and Blackberry.
MALACO has recorded some of the best gospel quartet sounds with groups like The Gospel Keynotes, The Fantastic Violinaires, The Pilgrim Jubilees, The Truthettes, The Sensational Nightingales, The Jackson Southernaires, The Evereadys and Margaret Allison and The Angelic Gospel Singers. And, of course, The Mississippi Mass Choir is a staple on the MALACO label. MALACO artists have a unique style that leaves no question that the artist was part of the powerhouse Jackson, Mississippi, label. At the same time, AIR was recording hits from artists like Luther Barnes and The Sunset Jubilaires, Dottie Peoples, The Singing Disciples, Rev. F. C. Barnes, Tommy Ellison and The Red Budd Gospel Choir. AIRs style, though traditional, was uniquely different from that of MALACOs.
It is undisputed that there is a unique sound associated with each label. For instance, an MCG artist will have that sound based upon the exceptional skills and talents of George Dean and Jerry Peters, who were instrumental in the early recordings of the first MCG artists. Dream Reality Records is headed by Eric Sharper and each project from that label has the Sharper sound. The Late Frank Williams was instrumental in establishing the quartet sound for MALACO. And to this day, that sound still exists within the MALACO gospel camp. The question is whether AIR artists will adopt the MALACO sound. As traditionally-rooted as AIR artists like Luther Barnes, The Sunset Jubilaires, Dottie Peoples, and The Singing Disciples, are, they undeniably had the AIR sound. Luther Barnes and The Sunset Jubilaires as well as The Singing Disciples were always very smooth in their delivery while MALACO quartet groups delivered a rough, edgy sound.
It is not so far-fetched to wonder what impact this acquisition will have on the gospel quartet genre. This merger leaves only one powerhouse traditional gospel quartet label in the industry, thereby reducing opportunities for artists to gain access to a major label. Also the history of the acquisition of labels suggests that usually the number of artists signed to the labels decrease instead of increase. Afterall, no matter how many artists there are, they are all seeking to share in the same piece of the music industry pie as other artists.
Whatever the impact, the acquisition should be of interest to every gospel artist and those in the industry. Hopefully, the acquisition will have a positive effect on the industry.
This acquisition does open the door for independent labels to become major players in the industry. With better products, networking, plugging into existing distribution services that are directed towards the independent artists and labels, using the Internet effectively, and understanding the music industry, the independent labels should be able to make inroads into the industry and continue to play a major role in the release of good gospel quartet music.
As to the reviews, we began 2005 with the review of Do Right by Nu Beginning featuring Damon Little. Like their prior project, the 12 songs on this project feature everything from quartet drive to soul-stirring ballads of praise to our Lord and Savior. While Nu Beginning definitely have a very unique style and great creativity, not only will you be reminded of The Racy Brothers or Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson & The Spiritual Voices, for those over forty you will think at times that you are listening to Al Green or some of the other great ballad-teers of the sixty and seventy. Damon has borrowed from the past and put Nu Beginnings unique style to some old favorites.
Next, we reviewed Roscoe Robinsons Gospel Stroll. Mr. Robinson has recorded with both sets of Blind Boys. He has traveled the world with both sets of Blind Boys. Although, today he is not an active member of either group, he is still called upon by both groups to stand in or fill the gap when need. He has performed on Broadway. He has been inducted into the Legend Hall of Fame and The Gospel Music Hall of Fame. With such an outstanding rιsumι it is not surprising that his new solo project would be extraordinary. The project, Legendary Roscoe Robinson The Gospel Stroll, will definitely satisfy the traditional quartet gospel music fan. Mr. Robinson did not leave out those that like contemporary music. There is even a track for the young fans.
For the month of March we reviewed Minster Teddy Cross Family Healing, Volume I. This project was in the works for several years. It was well worth the wait. Teddy has called upon several of the best recording artists in gospel music to appear with him on this project. Bishop Paul Morton joins Teddy in Through Prayer. Bishop Neal Robinson joins him on Lift Jesus. And the legendary Paul Beasley is called upon to share the lead duties on Heal The Land. Teddys daughter Chiquita Cross shares the lead on I Gave It All To You. In addition, Beatrice Cross can be heard on Battle Ax. We await anxiously Volume II.
In April we reviewed The Blind Boys of Alabamas Atom Bomb. And what an explosion this project created. Afterall, it would be the last project for one of the great lead singers of the Blind Boys George Scott. Mr. Scott was a founding member of the group. He died on March 9, 2005, at the age of 75. For those familiar with the Blind Boys, you know that Mr. Scott was the booming baritone voice of the group. Although, he retired from the road in 2004, his voice remained strong and is very prominent on Atom Bomb. The other members of the group at the time of this release were the legendary Clarence Fountain, the renowned Jimmy Carter, Joey Williams, Rickey McKinnie, Bobby Butler and Tracy Pierce. What can be said about a group that has been on the road for 60 years? Though many members have come and gone The Legendary Blind Boys of Alabama have stood the test of time.
May, which just happens to be the month we celebrate Mothers Day, find us reviewing Evelyn Turrentine-Agee Go Through. It is rare that an artist would have outstanding products one right behind the other. Well, Evelyn Turrentine-Agee did. In fact she has had four (4) great projects within the past five (5) years. Since becoming a household name with the mega hit God Did It on the project bearing the same name, she has recorded Testimony (2002), Its Already Done (2003) and now Go Through. This is a live recording that took place in Detroit, Michigan. And from the first track you know that you are in for a shouting good time. You are presented with hard drive songs, solid traditional gospel quartet songs, and soft thought provoking ballads. In other words, Evelyn Turrentine Agee gives you a great variety on this project.
A new group, The Soul Seekers, was the subject of our June review. The self titled project had everything you would expect from The Original Soul Seekers. The project is a live recording that is outstanding from the first track Ill Take Jesus to the final track You Oughta Been There. The Soul Seekers are eight young men that have apparently taken it upon themselves to ensure that gospel quartet music becomes part of the culture of the younger generation. The members have previously recorded with some of the top artists in the country. They have uniquely combined the sound of traditional gospel quartet music with a modern day style. Although the group has only been together about five (5) years, they bring many more years of music industry experience to this project.
The Mighty Clouds of Joys In The House of The Lord Live In Houston was next to be reviewed. This project was recorded on December 1, 2004, at The Fountain of Praise Hillcroft Worship Center in Houston, Texas. It was released on April 12, 2005. The members of the group at the time of this recording were Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Michael Cook, Ron Staples and Johnny L. Valentine.
August showcased the highly anticipated project of Lee Williams and The Spiritual QCs Tell The Angels. Besides having one of the greatest gospel projects of 2005, they are and have been the hottest gospel quartet group in the country for at least the past five (5) years. Their new release Tell The Angels: Live In Memphis became a best seller even before it was in the marketplace. MCG put this project on the fast tract and brought it to the marketplace in about 100 days from the time it was recorded. The recording actually took place on April 9, 2005, in Memphis, Tennessee. As with Good Time and Right On Time, Tell The Angels: Live In Memphis was recorded during a live performance at Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ, where Bishop G. E. Patterson is the Pastor. This release makes up for any deficiencies or reduction in production that was present with the Right On Time release. That is not to say that Right On Time was not a good project, it just was not in the same league with Good Time. Well, Tell The Angels: Live In Memphis is definitely in the same league as Good Time. Tell The Angels has been at the top of Gloryland Gospels Top 15 longer than any other recording during 2005.
The freshman project of The Jackson Sisters was reviewed during the month of September. Their new project, When God Is In The Building, leaves no doubt that this group is not only ready for primetime, but is ready to minister to your soul. It is obvious from this recording that they have dedicated themselves to their song ministry.
Keith Wonderboy Johnson gave us the project that was the subject of our October review. The project Unity is aptly titled Keith Wonderboy Johnson Presents The Spiritual Voices and Friends. There are seventeen tracks on this project. Two tracks features Bo-Peep, formerly of Revive, who has his own group Bo-Peep and Good News. Also appearing on this project were Robert Holland , Nicko Harden, Stan Jones, Sean Scales, Lamar Scales, Robert Lyles, The Brown Boyz, and the late Rev. E. Stewart. Keith lends his vocals to all of the songs. On some he can be heard in the background. On others he is the lead singer or share lead duties with the featured artist.
The Southern Sons of Memphis, Tennessee was the subject of our November review. There new project is titled Southern Soul Gospel. This project is traditional gospel quartet music at its finest. The group has been singing for over thirty years. This fact is reflected in the ease in which the group moves from ballads to mid-tempo to up-tempo songs. The group has the personnel to sing whatever they desire. The members are Bob Holloway, Wilbert Smith, Jr., Ben Singleton, Henry Hamilton, Robert Taylor and Sharrick Sanders. As you listen to this CD you will readily realize that these guys have taken the best from gospel quartet groups of the past, and many of today's leading gospel quartet groups and merge those styles with a fresh, yet, traditionally rooted style.
We ended the year with one of the greatest gospel quartet group from yesteryear and today, The Sensational Nightingales. The Sensational Nightingales has been a staple on the MALACO label for many years. The current members are Joseph "Jo Jo" Wallace, Horace Thompson, Larry Moore and Darrell Luster. According to MALACO [a]fter a half-century of recording, The Sensational Nightingales continue to make music that is relevant and inspiring. They have been winning souls and producing strong and steady record sales since Gospel music entered a studio. And their new project, Let Us Encourage You, is certainly inspiring.
Below you will find the Gloryland Gospel top 5 picks of the year 2005 and the top 15 national group's to watch in 2006. 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 2006.
Top 5 National Releases of 2005
15 Groups to Watch in 2006
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