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We received so many videos during 2005 from groups all across the country. The quality of the videos is getting better. The videos serves as a snap shot of what a group did at a particular time. In addition the videos 1) provide a visual history of a song service; 2) show the members of a group; 3) show unknown musicians that played at the song service; and 4) allows one to actually see their favorite group for the first time.
There are many parts of the world that a gospel quartet group may never perform in concert. And often, because of location, or other reasons, fans of a group have never been able to see the group in concert. The videos remedy these problems. Now anyone with access to a video (DVD or VHS) player can see their favorite group on stage. For, there are few ‘major’ groups that do not have at least one video. And, with today’s technology, even ‘local,’ ‘regional,’ and lesser known groups are now able to memorialize their performance with a video.
In 2005 we tried to give you reviews from a cross-section of the gospel quartet videos that are available. We reviewed the old videos – like the Dixie Hummingbirds. We reviewed the new – Like The Mighty Aires. We reviewed those by major labels – like the Gospel Legends. We reviewed independent projects – like the New Artist Development, Project I.
We encourage you to make gospel quartet videos a part of your collection. In addition, we are always looking for good gospel quartet videos to review. So, don’t hesitate to send us your videos. It does not matter whether it was recorded years ago or just yesterday. If it is a video, DVD or VHS, we are interested in considering it for a review.
As to the twelve that were reviewed in 2005 –
We began the year with The Canton Spirituals. St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, Harvey, Illinois, was the setting for "Live In Harvey, Illinois." This was a big budget video. It was great in every respect. The quartet enthusiast will appreciate the candid interviews by group members. The Cantons did fourteen songs during this service.
For the month of February, Black History Month, we reviewed "The Silver Anniversary" video of The Gospel Incredibles. One of the reasons this video was chosen is that The gospel quartet genre relies very heavily on local and regional groups (hereafter referred collectively as “local”) to complete a program and often to just be the one to minister in song on any given night. To a great extent the local groups are the lifeblood of gospel quartet music. This video reflects what happens every weekend around the country. This was not slick production. No packed house. No variations in the camera angles. This is just a good representation of a ‘local’ gospel quartet concert.
In March we reviewed the 2001 release from The Sons Of the Soul Revivers' “I’m A New Creature.” The quality of the sound is great. There are no highs or lows in the sound quality. The recording level is consistent throughout the video. There are no interviews on this project, just singing from the beginning to the end. Although, the video has been in the marketplace for sometime, the video still has a "freshness" to it. You will think that it is a recent recording. This is probably attributable to the fact that good gospel quartet music is never a fad. It never grows old.
Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites’ “Standing On The Rock – Live” was reviewed during the month of April. This 13 tracks video is outstanding. One of the characteristics of Doc’s videos is that you feel that you are in the audience. With this project you have a front row seat for an hour and twenty-eight minutes. The recording took place at Louisburg College, Louisburg, North Carolina. The college’s auditorium was the perfect place for this rerecording. The project began with “Tell Jesus.” Not only was this a great song, but it was a song that was sure to get the audience’s immediate participation in the service. It is followed by “Be Kind To Old People,” “Love One Another,” “House of Refuge,” “I’m so Thankful,” I’ve Won,” “Worship and Praise The Lord With Me,” “Born By The River,” “Love Train,” “What A Friend.” “Good God,” “Born Again,” and a reprise of “Tell Jesus.”
For the month of May we reviewed the 2004 video by The Williams Brothers titled “Still Here.” Since its release it has been a favorite with television programs that play gospel videos. The video begins with a pictorial of The Brothers from the time they were The Sensational Williams Brothers to the present. You will find yourself pushing the pause button on your video player and just studying the pictures. To realize that the group once consisted of five members, then four and now three (and at one time wore afros) is quite an interesting footnote to the career (and longevity) of The Williams Brothers.
In 2004 Marxan Records released two gospel quartet videos. The first was The Christianaires' "Stand Up! Live.” The second was “He Said!! Live in Morton, Mississippi” by Spencer Taylor & The Highway QC’s. Because there has been a renewed interest in the video by Spencer Taylor & The Highway QC’s, we reviewed it during the month of June. Overall this is a good video. You will certainly want to have this video in your collection.
For July we reviewed Greg Logins and In Christ’s “Just Stand.” The recording took place at the Hartsville Center Theatre, Hartsville, South Carolina. Although the crowd was “slim,” it did not hinder Greg and the guys from putting their hearts into this project. Greg’s father, Lonnie “Pop” Logins, is featured on Thank You For Everything You’ve Done,” I’ll Never Let You Fall (Lean On Me),” and “Sing On.” Make no mistake about it, Pop Logins can sing. One of the best songs on the video is “Thank You For Everything You’ve Done.” Pop Logins really pushes the group to the limit with this song. The harmony is very tight and the arrangement is outstanding. Pop Logins also sings background on the other songs on the project.
Salem Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, was the setting for The Dixie Hummingbirds live recording that occurred over ten (10) years ago. For the true gospel quartet enthusiast there is no other group like The Dixie Hummingbirds. They have rightfully earned the title “Legends.” They are the standard by which every other group is measured. This group has stayed true to their roots. When you pick up an earlier recording featuring Ira Tucker, Willie Bobo, Beachey Thompson, and James Walker you get the same sound as you do with the current lineup of the Birds. Therefore, for the month of August we reviewed the video The Legendary Dixie Hummingbirds’ “Live In Atlanta.”
The video begins by asking the question Who Are We? After answering the question the group ventures into Jesus Is The Light Of The World. Thereafter, the Birds rock the house with Love Me Like A Rock. Next The Birds let us know that It Will Be Alright. By this time the Birds are into the recording set in such a way that if you close your eyes you can hear all of the treasured voices from their past. With the renowned Ira Tucker singing lead, it is difficult to hear any changes in the vocal sounds of the remainder of the group. In other words, the current line-up sounds just like The Birds of the 50s and 60s.
Hi-Lites Music Ministries, Inc., an up and coming independent label’s first project is a live recording of four (4) groups. This project confirms our belief that independent artists and labels will begin to have a significant impact on the gospel music genre, and particularly Gospel Quartet Music. Therefore, for the month September we reviewed Hi-Lites Music Ministries, Inc. Presents New Artist Development: Project I.
This groups on this video are Redemption of Columbus, Mississippi; New Chosen Disciples of Florence, South Carolina; Febe & The Chosen Ones of Tallahassee, Florida; and Little Sammy & The Flying Clouds, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Notice that the groups are from different states. Therefore, although they all are singing the gospel quartet style of music, you get a different feel for how gospel quartet music may be sung in the states represented.
One of the most highly anticipated video was that of The Memphis Harmonizers. After much delay, the project was finally released in September 2005. So for the month of October we reviewed The Memphis Harmonizers’ new video titled “Catch On Fire – Live! From Memphis, TN." This project not only features The Memphis Harmonizers, but also Clay Graham and Cleve Graham share lead duties on the title track – "Catch on Fire." Also, Rev. Roney Strong of The Strong Family also shares lead duties on one of the track.
November found us taking a close look at one of the best video from an independent label - The Mighty Aires’ “Live Breakthrough.” The recording took place at the Baby Grand Opera House, Wilmington, Delaware, on October 9, 2004. It was released in 2005. The community really turned out for this recording. The live recording was well attended and the audience was an integral part of this recording from the beginning to the end. There are 11 songs on this video. Four members of the group are given the opportunity to sing lead. Bonita Finney sings lead on “Wait On Him.” She shares lead duties with the matriarch of the family, Rosetta Finney, on “How Great Thou Art.” And Mrs. Rosetta Finney sings lead on “Its Almost Over” and “Where Could I Go.” Deacon Sylvester Finney sings lead on “Let’s Praise Him,” "Do What I Gotta Do,” and “We Praise Thee.” While Chuck Finney sings lead on “Turn It Over,” “So Good,” “Father Forgive Me” and the title track, “Breakthrough.” The Mighty Aires put a lot of energy into every song. Each song takes the service to a higher level; culminating with “Breakthrough.” That is why as you view this video, it is easy to feel that you are a part of the audience.
We closed the year with the review of MALACO’s “Gospel Legend.” The artists that took part in this historic recording are some of the best of today and yesteryears in gospel quartet music. The lineup was just awesome. The quality of the sound is one of the best. There are no variations (highs and lows) in the recording level for any of the songs. The camera shots are great. There apparently was not an audience for this recording. In other words, it was just the singers, musicians and label representatives. The focus was really on the music and to record this moment in time, this historic event, for all to see. There are great interviews with the legends. The interviews really give you a deeper appreciation for the legends. In addition, you are bound to learn something that you just did not know.
As we move into 2006, we are adding a little something different to our reviews of videos. You will be able to view a small clip from each video. The quality of the clip IS NOT indicative of the quality of the video. This is due to the fact that often the resolution in the picture quality is lost during placement of a clip on a website. In addition, the type of computer you are using to access the Internet and the video player you are using will drastically impact the quality of the clip.
We do look forward to reviewing great videos in 2006. God Bless and we look forward to great videos from groups, independent labels and major labels in 2006.
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Copyright © 1997 - 2006 Gloryland Gospel Music
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