This month we take a look at a fairly new group to the quartet scene.  Though the actually group has only been around for 10 years these young men have left an indelible mark on the quartet industry.  Their hard driving yet smooth style is definitely in the tradition of many of quartet gospel's legends.  Their previous project entitled "Joe Ligon Presents the Heirs of Harmony" was a quartet radio favorite last year.  Under the direction of former Mighty Clouds of Joy member Tim Woodson, the Heirs are well on their way to becoming one of the nation's most sought after young groups. 

This new release for Al Hobbs Debut record label has all the elements of a great quartet recording.  While many groups in recent years have felt that the choirtet sound or mixture of choir and group is needed to be effective, I definitely beg to differ.  Tim Woodson & The Heirs of Harmony have decided to be true to the group tradition by singing all 10 selections with the actual group.  The group makes very good use of the technique of mixing both studio and "Live" cuts.  In fact, at times it is very hard to tell which songs were recorded "Live" and which ones were in the studio.  In this their first "Live" recording the Heirs follow the pattern that has meant success for many other groups such as The Canton Spirituals, Gospel Keynotes, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Violinaires, and many others.  Like these pioneer groups the Heirs of Harmony have presented a virtual greatest hits project recorded "Live" with a few new selections thrown in.

The recording opens with the rocking sounds of "Prayer Changes Things".  The Heirs are at full throttle on this quartet favorite.  Though the lyrics have been recorded by countless groups the Heirs put their stamp on this drive song turning it into a virtual sermonette for Tim Woodson.  The irresistible mixture of preaching and singing is once again joined in a harmonious marriage of chorus overlays, tambourine clatters, and hand claps.  Each repetition of the background chorus serves as the perfect launching path for Woodson's house wrecking vocals.  After moving into another of their previous hits "Instrument of Praise" the group changes the tone a bit with the bluesy sounds of "He's Still Working Miracles".  Though the sound is a little on the contemporary side, it definitely shows the versatility of this group.

Ervin Williams takes the lead duties on the beautiful ballad "This Is A Love Song".  The programmed drum beat and finger snaps remind the listener that the days of simple lead guitar and drums is long gone.  The lyrics of this selection are as the title implies; a hymn of adoration to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Following this cut is one of my favorites on this project.  The rocking selection "One Step Closer" is one of those numbers that never fails to get you moving.  Tim Woodson weaves his Charles Porter sounding vocals through this selection with all the precision of an old quartet pro. 

Other songs of note include probably two of the best slow ballads so far this year.  The selections "I Found Jesus" and "We Don't Thank Him Enough" definitely put one in the mind of the Mighty Clouds of Joy.  Crystal clear perfect harmony is the underlying theme for each selection.  Though the Clouds stamp is on each selection Tim Woodson adds something special to the arrangements.  His ability to both croon and squeal with the best of them is definitely suited for the quartet ballad style.  While their are definitely other selections that can be noted in this review these are just a few of the selections with definite Hit potential.