2003 National Releases
Review
The year of 2003 was absolutely amazing in terms of quartet projects. Seemingly the majority of the major nationally known groups recorded projects this year. Releases kept coming even until the later portion of December making this one of the most memorable years since possible the early 1990s. 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.
We kicked of the year of 2003 with the hard driving Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson and the Spiritual Voices as they took the nation by storm with "Send A Revival". This song was by far the most popular quartet song during the first quartet of 2003. While the video did not garner the same attention Keith and the fellas are primed and ready for 2004. We then hit hard with the March and April punch of The New Gospel Keynotes and Rev. Andrew Cheairs with the Songbirds. While Rev. Talley has since left the New Keynotes Rev. Teddy Cross continues to anchor the Talley Boyz. Launching his new label Emmanuel Records, Rev. Andrew Cheairs blew the minds of quartet fans with his high quality production on both the CD and Video release of "I've Been There".
In May we introduced yet another Keynote group to the stage. Jet Records released the highly talked about project by Lil' Willie & The Keynotes. This was by far the most talked about project of 2003 and possible one of the top 3 in terms of production. With his amazing resemblance to the late Willie Neal Johnson's sound, fans responded with mixed reactions but they bought the CD in droves. Then we presented the very first release of 2003 coming from The Fantastic Violinaires on Melendo Records. The group took a very different approach to the normal tribute route after a major group leader passes. They turned a new page and have to be respected for that choice. July brought in the highly anticipated "Live" solo recording coming from Harvey Watkins Jr. Featuring a dizzying array of guests this project will literally go down in quartet history.
Coming on the Heals of Harvey Watkins project was Mr. Smooth himself Lee Williams. The Spiritual QC's project came after a great deal of release date conflicts. The sound quality was a little on the rough side but fans still continue to pack out the houses to hear the group's live performances. The month of September brought the latest installment from the Sensational Nightingales with "Songs to Edify". This project also brought the return of Darrell Luster. Then came the Pilgrim Jubilees and their "Year of Jubilee" recording. The project continues to sell well throughout the country though it does not necessary have a major hit song on the level of "Old Ship of Zion" or "Barnyard".
The last two projects of the year represented some of the real high points of 2003. MCG records finally released the well over due project from The Gospel Four. This project continues to gain rave reviews as industry fans and professionals wonder when MCG will record a video to capitalize on the success. The Williams Brothers returned to the recording scene with an amazing release "Still Here" that has continued to gain steam into the later portion of 2003. What a year for the quartet industry.
Below you will find the Gloryland Gospel top 5 picks of the year 2003 and the top 15 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. God Bless and we look forward to great things in the year 2004.
Top 5 National Releases of 2003
15 Groups to Watch in 2004