Songs To Edify

In these days and times the word Legendary is often used very loosely.  Then there are times when the word can not be stated enough.  When we speak about the Sensational Nightingales we speak about music history Legends that reach beyond the genre of quartet.  The group has been led by some of the greatest lead singers to pass through the ranks.  Just to name a few; we can't forget the late Paul Owens, Tommy Ellison of the 5 Singing Stars, the late Rev. Julius Cheeks, Charles Johnson, and so many more. While those great leads are now gone, the present day membership finds long time members Horace Thompson and Jo-Jo Wallace still ministering the gospel in song. 

Thanks to such great record companies like Coleman, King, Peacock, and Malaco records the Nightingales are by far one of the most recorded groups in quartet history.  For year's the Gales have recorded a project literally every year for Malaco and have established themselves as one of the best selling artists in the companies overseas markets.  As we look at the group's latest release "Songs To Edify" the simple word consistency definitively captures the essence of this 12 song release. 

This release also captures the return of one time Nightingale member and well known Reviver Darrell Luster.  Darrell's Southern Gospel sprinkled lead vocals are welcome on this project and most importantly in the background.  For the first time in years the Gales feature a 4 part harmony on the background and boy does it make for a full and melodious sound.  For the most part lead vocals are handled by Horace Thompson, Darrell Luster and Larry Moore. 

The group's familiar message laden laid back style is in place but I do have to say the Gales have given us a glimpse into the days of the late Rev. Julius Cheeks.  In other words before their current style was in place the Gales were known as foot stompin' toe tappin' house wreckers.  Their revived version of the Cheeks classic "Where Jesus Is" is revived with Horace Thompson giving a very spirited stab at the legendary number.  If that's not enough, this song is followed by a song that takes us back to the 1940s when the late Paul Owens was leading the group.  "My Life Is In His Hands" is a quartet classic but this current version takes it to new heights.  In fact it is a certified quartet drive as Darrell and Horace trade leads like the pros that they are. 

For those that have forgotten Darrell Luster this anointed lead vocalist makes his presence known throughout this release.  A perfect example of his style can be found on the beautiful ballads "Just Hold On" and "Satan You Loose".  But I would be remised if I did not mention the great lead works of Larry Moore.  After really showing us his leadership skills on the Nightingales previous release "Wasted Years" Brother Moore gives us just a little taste of his vocal prowess on songs like "You Will Never Find A Friend" and "Give God The Honor".