The Jackson Sisters

The Jackson Sisters

When God Is In The Building

If you attended any of the American Gospel Quartet Convention over the past eight (8) years, then the group being spotlighted this month is no stranger. They are always a crowd pleaser at the Convention. This month we spotlight The Jackson Sisters a/k/a The Anointed Jackson Sisters. This group is from North Carolina. Some may know the group as Evangelist Bertha Jackson and The Anointed Jackson Sisters. By whatever name you may know this group, after listening to this project you will be able to attest to the fact that this group is ready for primetime.

Their new project, and their first with a major label, is titled “When God Is In The Building.” The project leaves no doubt about the fact that this group is not only ready for primetime, but is ready to minister to your soul. They have taken the time to perfect their musical talents. They have taken advantage of every opportunity to sing praises to our Lord and Savior. It is obvious that they have dedicated themselves to their song ministry. Although Evangelist Bertha Jackson has gone over to the other shore, she sowed good righteous seed in her daughters and they are now reaping what she sowed.

The members of the group are Barbara Jackson-Pope, Marie Jackson-Bell, Carl Ann Darden, Doris Jackson-Toler, Pamela J. Ceesay, Catharina J. Mitchell and Catrina Jones. Barbara and Pamela do most of the lead singing on this project. However, it is easy to distinguish all of the Sisters’ voices as they move from song to song with the ease of true professionals.

The project opens with the title track, “When God Is In The Building,” which is also a great drive song. Although this is a studio project, it is very impressive how much this track sounds like a live recording. The project slows down with Pamela and Barbara sharing lead duties on “My Help.”

The pace picks back up with “My Souls Say Yes.” One of the most thought provoking song on the project is “You Touch Me.” The musicians take a backseat on this song, and the sisters, with Pamela singing lead, really show their ability to handle a song that some may consider difficult to sing.

The sisters next ask the question did you come to praise Him with the song “Come On Let’s Praise Him.” “We Will Rest” is probably the weakest song on the project. The message the sisters are attempting to convey is one that is told in many song, rest beyond the sky. There seems to be something lacking in the song. It just might be that the production on this song is not at the level of all the other songs on the project. However, do not let this hinder you from purchasing this project. Because whatever is lacking, the sisters make up for it with the effort they put into the song.

The sisters do a tribute to the Caravans that is just outstanding. Milton Briggham, who by the way produced this project, joins the sisters in "Lord Keep Me Day By Day." The sisters move to another level with the second Caravans’ song that makes up the tribute – “Sweeping Through The City.” You will probably find yourself saying ‘now that’s the Jackson Sisters I know. They really work this song.

The next two (2) tracks are "Holy Is He" and "God’s In Control." Both would probably be considered ballads. Your appreciation for these songs will grow the more you listen to them. The project closes with a heartfelt tribute to the sisters' mother with “Can’t Say Goodbye.” Do not be surprise if this song is in heavy rotation around Mother’s Day. Everyone can and will relate to this song.

The Jackson Sisters have all of the elements to become major artists in gospel music. We must admit, however, that the sisters are at their best when they are singing mid-tempo to hard hitting drive songs.

On the whole this release from The Jackson Sisters on the MALACO label is a good project. We give The Jackson Sisters “When God Is In The Building" an 8.5 out of 10. To order this project click “When God Is In The Building.” Click on the title to hear “When God Is In The Building.”

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