The Chosen Sons
Still Blessed
The hand of time is ever present in every aspect of our lives. In the Quartet world a few months can make the difference between the lineup of an entire group. It was almost four years ago to the month that I sat writing the review for this Legendary group's brand new 1998 release "Say Something Good" on the Gospel Way record label. Only a few years afterward the group's corner stone and manager Brother Johnny Blackmon passed and went to enjoy the rewards that await the Christian in death. Through a series of personnel changes here we stand reviewing yet another hit for this seminal group. The Chosen Sons have been on the quartet circuit for well over 30 years and their name has long been associated with excellence. From their days on the popular Sound Perfection and J&B record labels the Chosen's as they are affectionately known have put together yet another powerful recording.
Opening the project is a short rerecording of the group's last hit release "Say Something Good". Long time member Ike Adams places his vocal stamp on this short yet sweat selection reminding fans of where the group has come from. In fact for the most part the project contains many selections which the group recorded during their heyday. Like many other group's these songs sound brand new to those who do not have an extensive LP and 45 collection of the group's earlier works. Throughout the entire CD the production is extremely smooth and representative of great care on the part of the engineers and producers. The Chosen's have long been known as one of the hardest driving yet smoothest sounding groups on the quartet circuit, and this recording endeavor serves to further enforce that lofty claim.
While songs of note are many, their are some selections that are literally one step away from being nation wide hits. For the first time, the soaring falsetto vocals of guitarist and vocalist Fred Starks are definitely given great attention throughout the project. His powerful rendition of "Hard Heart of Man" tells of the faithful obedience of everything in creation besides the human race. Fred acrobatically works his way through this beautifully arranged ballad rising and falling as the spirit moves. "Wait Til Jesus Comes" brings the gritty authoritative vocals of Ike Adams back to the forefront. Ike and the aforementioned Fred Starks drive the group to falsetto splendor as this mid-tempo song moves from a playful tone to pure quartet drive song.
While moving through this project one can not help but notice the wonderful re-arrangement of the Violinaires hit 1967 selection "He Touched Me". Chosen Sons fans might remember the Chosen's recording this song in the early 80s on Sound Perfection, however that earlier version did not gain national attention. Though their earlier version did not attain this feet, this current version is by far the equal to the Violinaires recording. Ike Adams handles the lead vocals in surprising fashion. Though he is known for his grit and hard driving vocal style, in classic Lewis Johnson
(Former lead singer of the Swan Silvertones) he showcases his ability to move effortlessly into high pitched screeches of falsetto.Other songs of note include the message heavy eight minute selection "Forgive Me". Handling lead vocals on this selection is Hallatcha record executive and Chosen's member Min. Ron Simpson. This beautiful ballad has already enjoyed great response on Gloryland Quartet Radio and radio stations around the country. The song speaks of the need for forgiveness in each and every Christian's life. Though we could speak specifically about every song in this powerful collection one other song is worth our attention in this review. While reviewing this project for purposes of this review I was caught off guard by probably one of the most moving selections I have heard to date. "Tears of Believers" is the touching story of an elderly woman's visit to heaven and her conversation with an angel about hear hard trials and tribulations. Obviously hoarse from this intense recording session the broken voice of group leader Ike Adams narrates this touching story while the group smoothly enters with the powerful words "He's gonna bottle up your tears one day". As I reviewed this project this song touched the very core of my spirit and still moves me to tears every time I hear it. One can only wonder how many lives have been touched by this soul stirring selection.
In closing I give The Chosen Sons "Still Blessed" a perfect 10 out of 10 rating. This is probably one of the best projects in years from the Independent circuit. Though this review focused mainly on the slower ballads this project is well balanced moving from praise and worship to down home quartet drive songs. By all means, if you do not own this project do yourself the favor of adding this power packed recording to your quartet library. To order this recording contact Hallatcha Records at (602) 430-0872.