The Gospel Imperials CD Review

The Gospel Imperials

Move Satan

This month we spotlight the CD Move Satan by The Gospel Imperials of Huntsville, Alabama. This is an exceptionally talented group, with a great CD.

The group was on the MARS label. They are now in the LowRush Music camp. This upstart label is really making a significant impact on the gospel music industry, particularly gospel quartet music. This label has seventeen (17) groups/artists already under contract. One of the first projects the label released was the MARS recording by The Gospel Imperials' Move Satan.

One of the first things you will notice about this group is that they are polished. They have strong lead singers, extraordinary vocals, tight harmony, smooth timing, and a great message in each song. The members of the group are Thomas W. Holman, Sr., Thomas W. Holman, Jr,, Richmond Malone, Torrey Douglass, Terry Miller, David Gardner, Dean Davis, Archie King and Jeremy Gardner. According to the liner notes, Thomas W. Holman, Sr. and Thomas W. Holman, Jr. are the lead singers for the group.

One of the drawbacks to the CD is that there are not many original songs. There are, however, great arrangements to all of the songs. The songs chosen for this project are, in general, a perfect match for vocals of The Gospel Imperials.

The first track is the ballad “Lord Search My Heart.” You will appreciate the tightness of the background harmony on this song. In addition, the song may have you closing your eyes and just mediating on life.

The title track is next. “Move Satan” has a bluesy feel to it. It is a song that should receive much airplay.

“Good Bye World” has all of the trappings of a great gospel quartet song. It has the rhythm, the background harmony, and the churchy feeling that are expected from a good traditional gospel quartet song. It is a song that most gospel fans are probably quite familiar. It is definitely a classic. Just listen to the opening chord.

Dorothy Norwood and Rev. John Morris’ “It’s On The Way” is the next track. The Gospel Imperials' version of this song should be popular among concert goers. We cannot imagine that they would be allowed to leave the stage without singing this song. It is also a song that calls for the audience participation. Everyone can attest to the fact that they believe their miracle is ON THE WAY!

“The Lord Will Make A Way,” “Heavy Load” and “Joy” (like "Good Bye World") will have you comparing The Gospel Imperials to the great quartet groups of the 60’s and 70’s. These songs showcase all of the vocal talents of the group. Listen for that falsetto voice, the harmony and the humming in the background.

“Won’t It Be Grand” is one of those traditional songs that no group can go wrong in recording. What is exciting about The Gospel Imperials’ version of this song is that it confirms for all that this is a gospel quartet group that can sing any song they desire.

It’s God’s Holy Power” also has a good message. We must admit that the vocals are a little weak on this song. It might be attributed to the fact that you are 40 seconds into the song before you hear any vocals, or it might be that after the 40 seconds lead-in the vocals begin with the background singers, or it could be that the exchange between the two lead singers doesn’t seem as smooth as on other songs on this project. What ever the reason, it should, by no means, prevent you from adding this CD to your collection.

The final track is “Chilly Jordan.” This song should also be a favorite among concert goers. This is another song that really showcases all of the vocal talents of the group.

On the whole this release from The Gospel Imperials is a great traditional gospel quartet CD. We give The Gospeel Imperials' Move Satan an 8.5 out of 10. To order this project contact LowRush Music at (770) 464-0349 or visit their website, www.lowrush.com. Click on the title to hear “Good Bye World.”

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