Hi-Lites Music Ministries, Inc., an up and coming independent label’s, first project is a live recording of four (4) groups.  This project confirms our belief that independent artists and labels will begin to have a significant impact on the gospel music genre, and particularly Gospel Quartet Music.  Therefore, this month we review Hi-Lites Music Ministries, Inc. Presents New Artist Development: Project I. 

This groups on this video are Redemption of Columbus, Mississippi; New Chosen Disciples of Florence, South Carolina; Febe & The Chosen Ones of Tallahassee, Florida; and Little Sammy & The Flying Clouds, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Notice that the groups are from different states.  Therefore, although they all are singing the gospel quartet style of music, you get a different feel for how gospel quartet music may be sung in the states represented.      

This project was recording in Lake City, South Carolina.  The producers of the project are Darryl Henly and Alphonso Montgomery.  The producers have been involved with gospel quartet music for many years.  Their years of experience are reflected in the quality of this project. 

The first group on the video is Redemption.  If you have ever seen this group perform live, you know that they bring a great deal of energy to the stage.   They began with “Lord I Thank You,” followed by an arrangement similar to that of Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites' song, “I Won’t Complain.”  They pick the pace up with “Get Loose, Let Go.”  Next they really ministered with “Standing By Your Grace.”  And they closed out their session with “Help Me Lift Him Up.” 

The next group to minister was The New Chosen Disciples.  This was obviously not the group’s first recording.  Their professionalism was displayed throughout the entire time they were on stage.  They began with “Waiting On You.”  The second song they sang was “Glad To Be In The Service.”  And they closed with “I’ll Serve You.”

Next Febe & The Chosen Ones graced the stage.  This group is definitely ready for primetime.  They have the vocals to sing any song they desire.  They began with “God Smiled On Me.”  They followed that with “Recommend.”  Next, is a very interesting arrangement to “Waiting For Direction.”  What a powerful arrangement to a great song.  Febe & The Chosen Ones’ arrangement of this song deserve to be in heavy rotation on every gospel radio station.  The group closed with “I’ve Been Lied On.” 

The final group to perform was Little Sammy & The Flying Clouds.  The Flying Clouds is another group that deserves to be on a major label.  It was so refreshing to see a group like The Flying Clouds actually getting the opportunity to be involved in a live recording.  They began with “What A Friend.”  After they told us What A Friend Jesus is, the group then confirms for us that “There’s Not A Friend Like You.”  The YOU in this case being Our Lord and Savior.  They closed with hard hitting drive song “Don’t Bring It In The House Of The Lord.”  What a great song to end the live recording. 

The quality of the sound is great.  There is very little variations in the sound level.  The recording level is consistent throughout the video.  The lighting is outstanding.  You can actually see, very clearly, not only the expressions on the faces of the group members, but also those of the audience.  The lighting is consistent throughout the video.  There are several camera angels and many still shots.

There are no interviews on this video.  There is great audience participation throughout the video.  Although, there are times when the group try to get the audience to stand, clap, waive their hands and jump, a great deal of the audience response was spontaneous.  And you can actually see who is in the audience.

Overall this is a good video.  We recommend that you add this video to your collection. In the future, when the video is out of print, you will be pleased that you have the video.  We give the Hi-Lites Music Ministries, Inc. Presents New Artist Development: Project I video an 8.5 out of 10.  To purchase your copy of the video click here. 

Top 5 Gospel Quartet Videos

5. SoulLink Live 2

The Williams Brothers & Their Superstar Friends