Memphis Harmonizers
I Found The Lord
For this the month of June we take a look at one of the hottest groups on the road today. That group is none other than The Memphis Harmonizers of Memphis, Tennessee. Under the leadership of Mr. George McClain this powerful group is known for their driving yet smooth style. This latest installment on the E&J record label features 12 power packed selections. From the outset it is apparent that gospel superstar George Dean of the Gospel Four has a great amount of involvement with the project. Mr. Dean writes three of the selections, and the project on a whole carries the impression of Dean's writing style.
So What makes this project different from any other? First and foremost this group of gentlemen are truly anointed by God. The sincerity and pure anointing power of God flows through each and every song. This project sticks very close to the traditional sound of quartet gospel you and I hear at concerts around the country every weekend. The classic formula of one crooner and one house wrecker on lead vocals is perfectly in place in The Memphis Harmonizers group. While this formula is common in most groups there are very few groups who have lead singers that can play both roles. George McClain, who is well known for his slower ballads shows out on the hard driving title cut "I Found The Lord". While house wrecker Danny Bell shows his smoother side on the soul-stirring "On My Journey". Not only are these powerhouse lead singers featured but it seems as if everyone in the group takes a stab at the lead vocals. I must say they all show why the Harmonizers are on the rise.
As usual, there are many songs of note on this project. The song that has really been making waves around the country is the hard driving "On The Other Side". With a few thumps of the bass guitar Danny Bell falls right into this powerful song. His hard lead singing is reminiscent of something from the late Bob Washington former lead singer of The Gospelaires. George McClain let's loose on "Why Do Men" which I feel is the Harmonizers newest hit slow ballad. This song falls right into the tradition of hits such as "I'll Live Again". Serious quartet fans will remember this song as being a hit for the Mighty Clouds of Joy in the late 1960's on the Peacock label. Another song of note is another McClain lead song "Run Back To Jesus". All that can be said about this one is if this isn't quartet I don't know what is!! Plenty of tight background ooo's mixed with a bluesy acoustic guitar and you've got classic 1960's quartet gospel. As you probably have noticed this project is not lacking in good songs. Instead of mentioning every song I will just tell you to listen for yourself. I stamp this project with a satisfaction guarantee. Go to your local record shop and ask for The Memphis Harmonizers "I Found The Lord" you'll be glad you did. I give The Memphis Harmonizers "I Found The Lord" a 9 out of 10.