Made In Raleigh

Little needs to be said in the way of introduction to this Legendary quartet group.  For over 70 years this group has toured and sang praises to God all along setting the standards for many groups in terms of vocal harmonies and arrangements.  In fact, the Pre-War period of gospel music found the Golden Gate Quartet as the most well known and imitated group in the country.  As the industry moved into the Post-War period the Gates moved their home base to beautiful Paris France and have recorded and worked their ever since.  This landmark project marks the return of the Gates to the United States.  Even more importantly the group has revamped their sound while still staying true to their trendsetting roots.  Simply put this project can be described as the classic Gates sound with a 2003 contemporary feel. 

Now under the direction of longtime second tenor since 1954 Clyde Wright, the group is happy to present this new sound and direction.  Classic songs that were made famous by the group during the 1930s and 1940s are given fresh sounds.  Some of the classics on this release include "Noah", "I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray", "Run For A Long Time" and so many more.  If you asked anyone that knows quartet history what the Golden Gate Quartet was known for they would undoubtedly tell you tight harmonies and extremely complicated vocal arrangements.  Well this release definitely lives up to that tradition in terms of harmony.  The arrangements are by no means as complicated as some of the classic Gates' songs like "Golden Gate Gospel Train". 

Probably the most important addition to the Gates sound is the addition of a full hard quartet styled band.  Yes, friends the Gates now have a bass player, lead and rhythm guitar, and drums.  Strangely enough they show that you can have all the music but still have a thick four part harmony sound complete with bass singer.  While the revamped standards are great it is the new compositions that really grab your attention.  Without a doubt one of the most beautiful songs of the year can be found on this release by the Gates. 

"My Pay" is a beautiful ballad that really showcases the harmonizing of the Golden Gates.  The lead voice is perfectly balanced with the sweeping overture of oohs by the background vocalists.  But the major question is are the Gates still rapping in song like the did many years ago.  Well friend, I have to answer you with a resounding yes!!  A brand new composition entitled "Joseph" closes out this great project and boy do they rap on this one.  They tell the entire story of Joseph from his childhood to his reunion with his brothers and father in Egypt.  What a song!!