2002 National Releases
Review
The Quartet Industry year of 2002 was one of the most exciting years in recent memory. In this issue we will briefly review each of the twelve albums featured in 2002 and conclude by revealing Gloryland Gospel's top 5 albums of 2002. There will also be a new feature which includes the top 15 groups to watch in 2003. Be sure to check the album reviews for information about how to purchase any projects mentioned in this year ending wrap-up.
While the first release of 2002 came from Tommy Ellison and The Singing Stars, at Gloryland Gospel our first review came from long time quartet chameleon Rev. Charlie Brown & The Saints. As many know, Rev. Brown is able to fit into any group with his unbelievable lead and background vocals. Having spent time with the Violinaires, and Pilgrim Jubilees just to name a few, at the year's close Rev. Brown has spent some time with Lil Blair & The New Violinaires. "He'll See You Through" started the year out with a balanced project with a down home like feel. For the month of March we backtracked a little and picked up Tommy Ellison & The Singing Stars AIR release "Going To See My Friend". At year's end this release was still making waves in the industry and though it was not projected at the beginning of the year, the breakout song has been "Father Please Stand By Me". The project showcased a more subdued Tommy Ellison with great arrangements and writing by producer extraordinaire J. Lowe.
The months of April and May featured some industry newcomers. Though, we do have to use that term loosely due to the fact that most groups have been singing for at least 20 years and are just gaining national exposure. April featured Malaco's newest recording quartet The Bonner Brothers with their release "Blessing Delayed". The project did not make the industry commotion that was expected however the group did carry home new artists honors from the Gospel Music Workshop of America. The breakout radio hit on this project was and actually still is "Praise Him By Myself". Probably one of the most well rounded yet still under promoted projects of the year was our May review from Tim Woodson & The Heirs of Harmony. Smooth harmonies and great production were synonymous phrases with this project yet it is yet get the exposure that it needs.
The summer months of June, July, and August featured some longtime quartet warriors beginning with June's review of the Texas Boyz project "Forever Together". At year's end this project is just starting to make some noise with the hit song "Pressing On". The Texas Boyz formerly know as the Mighty Supreme Voices of Dallas, Texas have been on the road for many years. The group received their first break since their Savoy days by signing with the gospel mega label Blackberry Records. The month of July featured probably the most anticipated release of the year which marked the return of the Canton Spirituals. The project was received with mixed reactions but on the whole was a good return effort for the quartet superstars. At year end lead singer Harvey Watkins Jr. is making plans for a solo "Live" recording for Verity that is sure to cause even more industry stir. We closed the summer months out with the release of long time 2nd lead singer with Slim & The Supreme Angels Greg Kelly. Greg and his new group Foundation hit the scene rather softly with their "Heaven Or Hell" release but by November their breakout hit "He's Everything I Need" began catching the attention of the entire gospel industry tradition and contemporary.
With probably one of the busiest summers for quartet releases in recent years over we turned to newcomers Damon Little & Nu Beginning from Maryland for the September issue of quartet reviews. Their hit song and album title cut "You Can't Straddle The Fence" was all the rage of 2001 in single format and a great deal of 2002. The album did not hit the industry with the force expected however it continues to expand the group's market. Besides, it's a great project. Our October review marked another of the huge moments of 2002 with the release of The Mighty Clouds of Joy "I Want To Thank You". The project marked the Clouds return to a more traditional heavy album. The album has been and continues to be well received by audiences on a whole in a sense renewing the popularity of the group. At year end Joe Ligon was down with hip surgery however the group has continued to travel praying for his speedy recovery.
We closed the year of 2002 in grand fashion with a return to the recording scene from the Lumzy Sisters and a Volume 3 release from Darrell McFadden & The Disciples. The Lumzy's release has yet to gain any steam with radio which really has to stand out as the mystery of 2002. Hopefully after January's quartet convention the industry will wake up and really realize the greatness of the Lumzy's return project. We closed the year out with Darrell McFadden & The Disciples. Next to Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson's hit recording "Send A Revival", the Disciples hit pay dirt with "That's Alright". In fact both groups continue to have great success based on these 2 radio favorites.
Below you will find the Gloryland Gospel top 5 picks of the year 2002 and the top 10 national group's to watch in 2003. This list is in no way all inclusive, however if you're really looking for the best of the best you will definitely want to add these recordings to your quartet library. The
projects are listed in alphabetical order, the order listed does nor represent their rank. God Bless and we look forward to great things in the year 2003.Top 5 National Releases of 2002
15 Groups to Watch in 2003