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. 

Mr. Pinkney formed the group The Gospel Drifters about 7 years ago.  The group has recorded under different names.  Their first gospel project “Fire is Coming,” on the World Wide Gospel label, was done under the name Bill Pinkney’s Original Drifters.  Their second gospel project “Peace In The Valley,” on The Blackberry Records label, was done under the name Bill Pinkney & The Original Drifters.  Their third project was done on Mr. Pinkney’s own label, Pinkney Records.  This project, “What A Wonderful Change,” was recorded under the name The Gospel Drifters, featuring Reggie Funderburk.    Reggie is a hidden treasure.  He is certainly no stranger to gospel music.  The more you listen to this project, the greater appreciation you will have for his singing talents.   

Irrespective of what name the group uses, all of these gospel recordings are outstanding and should be a part of every quartet fan collection.  The most recent project “What A Wonderful Change,” begins with Mr. Pinkney smoothly moving from bass to tenor on “What a Wonderful Change.”  Yes, it does remind you of the days of The Drifters, except with a gospel message. 

Jeff Hall leads the next song, “Song For Mama.”  This song is a wonderful tribute to mothers.  Look for this song to be in heavy rotation during upcoming Mother’s Day weekends.    Reggie takes over lead on the next three songs, “He’ll Make It Alright,” “I’ll Fly Away,” and “In The Name.”  Mr. Pinkney and Reggie share lead on the next song, “I Come To The Garden Alone.”  The Gospel Drifters’ version of this powerful hymn is just awesome.  I do not recall any group ever singing this song as it is sung by The Gospel Drifters.

Joe Turner takes over on the next song, “Ups and Down.”  This is probably one of the two (2) weakest songs on the project.  It just does not have the strength or energy of The Swanee Quintet’s “Ups and Down.”  It is just a little, just a little, to bluesy. 

Reggie takes over again on the next two songs, “So Real,” and “I Found In Him A Friend.”  Thereafter, each member of the group share lead on “Old Fashion Church Song,” which is actually a medley of three hymns, “Amazing Grace,” “At The Cross,” and “Old Rugged Cross.”

The final two (2) tracks are “Thank You, Lord” and “Judgment Day.”    Reggie’s lead on “Thank You, Lord” reminds you of the late Brook Benton.  “Judgment Day” is probably the weakest song on the project.  The words are very thought provoking.  However, there is no originality to the singing of the song.  You will also feel at times that you are listening to The Evereadys.    

The lineup for this project included Bill Pinkney, Tony Thomas, Reggie Funderburk, Doug Staley, Joe Turner, Mike Grady and Elijawan Rice.  Of note is that, since the recording of this project, Perry Taft (formerly of Willie Neal Johnson and the Keynotes) has joined the group. 

Overall this is a good project and is worth purchasing.  You will not be disappointed.  I give The Gospel Drifters, featuring Reggie Funderburk an 8 out of a possible 10.  Click HERE to purchase the CD.  Click on the red song title to hear "I Come To The Garden."