The Sons of Favor "Be Careful"

The Sons of Favor

Be Careful

This month’s spotlight is on the group The Sons of Favor of Indianapolis, Indiana. Their freshman project titled “Be Careful” was recorded in March and April of this year. The CD was actually released in August 2006.

To really appreciate this group's ministry, it is necessary to know something about their history. The Sons of Favor was organized in 2005 by Rev. Howard E. Richardson, Jr. When asked how the group's name chosen was, Rev. Richardson response was “I asked my wife what should we call the group, she prayed about it and the Lord gave her the name The Sons of Favor.”

Several members of the group previously were with The Daytonians of Dayton, Ohio and The Christian Souls. Rev. Richardson was once a member of The Daytonians and The Christian Souls. Some of the current band members were once with The Daytonians. At the time of the release of the CD, the band members were Ron McKinley (lead guitar), Tyrone a/k/a Rone (drummer), James a/k/a Blood (second lead guitar), Patrick Mack (rhythm guitar), Lil Mack (keyboard), and Walter Hendricks (bass guitar). The other members of the group are William Cole, Patrick Walker, Larry Trotman, and the lead singer, Rev. Howard Richardson.

The group certainly has a unique sound and style. The recording is rooted in traditional gospel quartet music, yet you will notice a touch of country, blues and contemporary being prominent on various songs. The instrumentation on all of the songs are at the right level for the vocals. At times, the background harmony is not as tight is it could be. However, this is their first CD. We suspect that with each subsequent recording, the background harmony will be tighter and the lead vocalist will be much more powerful in his delivery.

This group has a great deal of potential. Obviously they love to minister through their songs. And because of their diverse sound, they are not limiting themselves to ministering to only one segment of the gospel music audience. As this group continues to sing and minister, they will undoubtedly become a group that will be in great demand.

There are only eight (8) songs on this CD. This is one of the downside to the CD. It is apparent that these guys can sing. But, because there are only eight (8) songs on the CD, you are left wanting more. The songs are “Be Careful,” “Let You Go,” “Give Your Heart,” “Trust Him,” “You Can Make It,” “God’s Got It,” and “Blessed.” Tracks 1 through 7 were written by Rev. Richardson. Track 8 was written by Rev. Richardson and Smooth P.

You will not find a true drive song on this project. There are several tracks that are sure to get your toes tapping and your hands clapping. It is difficult to select a favorite song from this project. This is one of those recordings that will grow on you the more you play it. If given the chance, several of the songs do deserve to be in rotation on radio stations around the country.

Fans of gospel quartet music will want to add this project to their collection. We give The Sons of Favor’s Be Careful an 8 out of 10. You can purchase a copy by contacting The Sons of Favor at (317) 890-1368 or (504) 931-0668. Click on the title to hear “You Can Make It.”

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