The Jackson Southernaires
Anniversary
For this the month of November we take a look at one of the quartet industry's most respected and well known groups today. That group is none other than The Jackson Southernaires. As many know the Southenaires are probably only rivaled by the Sensational Nightingales as being the most recorded group in the quartet industry. This project not only represents their first in the new millennium, but also their first on their new record label Melendo. When I first heard of their label move I do have to say I was saddened due to their longevity on the Malaco label. In fact the entire gospel division of Malaco was basically built on the Jackson Southernaires. However, after listening to this project my thinking changed. This project definitely shows that this new era of quartet is not dominated by record label giants but by those who take great care in what they produce.
As is the case with most Jackson Southernaire recordings this album features a great variety while still staying in the bounds of the current eras definition of traditional gospel. My reason for saying this is, during the 1970s the Southernaires recorded some ground breaking material but they stayed in the constraints of that era's definition of traditional gospel. Being that this is the Southernaries first project on the Melendo record label I found myself paying close attention to the production. The sound is very consistent and tight throughout the project. Though, on some of the selections there is a slight hint of over production. In other words some songs have entirely to much going on in the way of musical instruments and volume level. However, this is more than made up for by the vocal precision by the Southernaries. The song compositions are fairly strong and focus on their trademark ability to relay powerful messages through song.
While the title cut has already become a radio favorite there are many other selections that are sure to be Southernaire fan favorites. The title cut entitled "Anniversary" is a up tempo tribute to the many great quartet singers who have gone on. I do have to say this was a very interesting way to include a great amount of the industry. The project opens in much the same manner as their previous 1999 recording "Warrior". Like the hard driving "Warrior", "In The House" is a powerful foot tappin' drive selection. Probally one of my favorite selections is the story in song aptly titled "He'll Take It Away". This selection tells of the futility in trying to get rid of sinful habits on our own. For it is only through the working of the Holy Spirit and a relationship with the father that these habits will move. This mid-tempo ballad is definitely a powerful message in song. Huey then takes us back with the classic selection "Beulah Land". This song is given a mid tempo beat and set to the drive of a highly noticeably electronic drum. The song is great but I do have to say I have always been a fan of "Live" drums on recordings. Probably the most interesting song on this recording is "What Goes Around". This song brings back strong memories of their 1970s hit "What's Wrong With The People Today". This type of innovative material is truly something that very few legends can pull off, and I do have to say The Southernaires are more than able to do so.
Another powerful selection is Maurice Surrell's interpretation of "Land of No More". His smooth vocals add a gentle variety to the project. While Huey Williams does most of the lead vocals on this project, Rev. Roger Bryant and the aforementioned Maurice Surrell do their fair part. In fact Rev. Bryant does a great job on the Williams Brothers sounding selection "Keep The Faith". While the message in this song is clear through the title, Rev. Bryant peppers this selection with his patented short sermonttes. The real stand out selection on this project is by far the bluesy rendition of "Stand Up". Huey's ability to sing songs in the Willie Banks tradition is definitely showcased on this ballad. If you are a fan of the late brother Banks you will definitely notice the similarity in this slow yet poignant style of deliverance.
After a long anticipated wait, this Southernaries project falls right in line with their commitment for producing quality quartet recordings. Though I do feel it is not quite as good as "Warrior" it is still a great album. I give The Jackson Southernaires "Anniversary" a 8.5 out of 10.