Right On Time

This month's CD review needs no introduction.  Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's of Tupelo, MS are and have been the hottest quartet group on the circuit for a few years now and this new release "Right On Time" is yet another chapter in their book of fan favorites.  With 2 hit records already to their credit the big question that we must ask is does this release live up to the Lee Williams standard? The project definitely was the most highly anticipated release of the year having been pushed back on several occasions as MCG records went through internal woes.  This release represented the 1st of MCG's Big 3 to release projects in 2003.  Now that we know who we are speaking about let's talk about the project for a moment. 

The very familiar production team of Jerry Peters, George Dean, and Lee Williams are in place yet something is lacking in the sound department.  The project seems to be a far cry from their "Good Time" release in terms of mixing in that this release is very raw.  For some that's a good thing while others will find it a little irritating.  In terms of song selection the project offers a little something different while still retaining the well known Spiritual QC's style on the majority of the songs.  Probably the most apparent difference in this CD from the QC's previous releases is the extremely hard singing of Lee Williams.  It seems as if Lee is at full throttle pushing himself to the limits on ever song he leads.  Song like the title cut "Right On Time" and "Nobody But You" seem to build from a low roar to a furious pace in no time. 

This project also includes more lead singing from second lead man Leonard Shumpert and the QC's drummer Patrick Hollis.  The biggest surprise in terms of lead singing definitely came from Patrick's powerful number "Thank You".  The song has that laid back George Dean (Gospel Four) feel and really showcases Patrick's vocal skills.  The song is a very refreshing change for the Spiritual QC's and hopefully will not be the last with Patrick on lead. Another song that represents something a little different for the QC's is "Jesus Is All".  This song comes complete with a funky bass groove that is sure to have even the staunch atheist bobbing their head. 

More than any other QC release this project has a great deal of rearranged songs that are not exactly new compositions.  The title cut "Right On Time" is simply a re-arrangement of Dorothy Love Coates hit, "Nobody But You" is a standard quartet composition given a different feel, "Whatever You Want" originally came from the camp of Willis Pittman & The Burden Lifters and "Great Day" is a new interpretation of the classic song by the same name.  So what makes this project so popular you might ask?  The answer to that question lies in the way Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's are able to take even old songs and give them a special feel.  Simply put Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC's are experiencing the favor of God and everything they attempt seems to be blessed in it's going out and coming in. 

As you probably can see this project is well worth the buy. I give Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's a 9 out of 10.  Click HERE to purchase the CD for just $13.89.   Click on the red song title to hear "Right On Time".