The gospel quartet genre relies very heavily on local and regional groups (hereafter referred collectively as “local”) to complete a program and often to just be the one to minister in song on any given night.   To a great extent the local groups are the lifeblood of gospel quartet music.  It is not an exaggeration in stating that on any given weekend there are hundreds of gospel quartet concerts all over this country.  With the limited number of national artists actually touring on a regular basis, they cannot be a part of all these concerts. 

When the local church is having a building fund concert, it is more often than not that they call upon the local groups.  When there is a benefit program for someone, the call goes out for the local groups.  When you just want to hear good old fashion traditional gospel quartet music, attend a concert with nothing but local groups.   

As the national groups have their anniversaries, the local groups are notorious for having anniversaries.  In fact, on any given weekend, two or more local groups may be having an anniversary program in the same locale.  Promoters will plan their program with the national artists so that it does not conflict with the local groups’ anniversary programs.

The local groups are beginning to deliver good CD’s and videos to the marketplace.  These projects may never get the exposure that is received by projects of national artists.  However, that does not mean the projects of the local groups are not good, or that they are not worthy of consideration by quartet fans.  Many jewels are found in the recording of local groups. 

With that backdrop, we put the spotlight this month on The Gospel Incredibles of Atlanta, Georgia, video of their 25^th anniversary celebration.  Whether you consider The Gospel Incredibles a national, regional or local group, take notice of this video. 

First you must realize that the video is not a big budget project.  Also, do not expect it to contain the slick professional trappings that one would expect of a video from a major label.  So, you will see a crowded stage.  You may realize that the mikes are not working exactly as they should.  You will see individuals wondering around during the program.  You will also realize that the musicians are also serving as technicians.  You certainly would not expect the crowd that may attend the taping of a national artist on a major label.

What you will get is the reality of what happens every weekend around the country.  In addition, The Gospel Incredibles have reached a milestone in the music ministry.  They have stayed the course for 25 years. And for these reasons this video is in the spotlight.

The anniversary program is the kind of program that most local groups participate in weekly while the national groups are in other places.  This is just the type of program that helps to keep gospel quartet music alive.

The Gospel Incredibles consist of brothers Rev. Clark Connor, Rev. Galbert Connor, Jr., Clarence Connor, and Sammy Conner.  Other members of the group are Anthony Fearbee, Ralph Lovett, Jr., Jerry Anderson, Fred Searcy, Milton Williams, and Willie Ellis.  Having seen this group in concert many times, it is safe to say that they can sing.  Obviously, they practice frequently. 

Their overall performance at their anniversary was very good.  They sang several songs from their prior recordings.  They also sang songs that will be on their upcoming CD.  On this night, they testified.  They praised our Lord and Savior in song.  And they sang!  The sharing of the lead on various songs by the Connor brothers was very inspiring and remarkable.    The smooth vocals of the Connor bothers are outstanding.  The harmony was very tight.  There were some problems with the instruments, but is that not what happens in churches, concert halls, and other venues across this country every weekend. And even with the problems, the vocals were never overshadowed.     

As to the general nature of the video it is good.  The lighting is good.  The mikes did work.  There were very little variations in camera angles. There were probably only a few hundred persons at the celebration, so for that number there was good crowd response.                 

Those that shared in the celebration by performing were the Israelite Missionary Baptist Church Choir, Savannah, Georgia; Rev. John Nesbitt and The Marlow Baptist Choir, Marlow, Georgia; The Gospel Samaritans, Florence, South Carolina; Daughters of Israelite, Savannah, Georgia; and The Ishmites, Savannah, Georgia.  The Daughters of Israelite and The Ishmites are praise and worship dance groups.

It may not be a surprise that the choirs sang quartet songs.  Beside The Gospel Incredibles, The Gospel Samaritans was the only other gospel quartet group on the program.

The choirs and The Gospel Samaritans may never appear on another video.  However, their performance at this celebration is capture for all to see.  And that also makes the video a worthwhile purchase.  For, it is videos like this one that will help “tell the story” when the full history of gospel quartet music is written.

We do recommend that you pick up a copy of this video. If you love traditional quartet music, this project is for you.  It will minister to you.  It is worth having as a part of your gospel music collection.    

Overall we give The Gospel Incredibles’ “Silver Anniversary” project a 7.5 out of 10.  To purchase a copy of this video contact Brother Clarence Connor at (404) 412-3317 or e-mail him by clicking The Gospel Incredibles.

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