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This month we take a look at the long awaited new release from the Legendary
Fantastic Violinaires.
This group has influenced so many other singers. This group is one of the
most imitated groups in gospel music. How many times have you heard fans
of gospel quartet music compare some of the groups of today to
The Fantastic Violinaires?
The group has weathered the storm of change in personnel, change in label and
the death of their point man for many years, the incomparable Robert Blair.
Others may try, but not can duplicate the extraordinary vocal skills and talents
of the guys that recorded with Robert Blair. Although, this group has not had a
new release in over five (5) years, It would not be appropriate to say that
The Violinaires
are back; because, they never left the music scene. Their recordings
continue to be some of the most requested songs for Gloryland Gospel broadcast.
Since the group has not released a new project since 2003, it is probably
fitting that their new CD is titled Revived.
With this new project the guys have revived the
Violinaires’
sound of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. In doing so, they have succeeded in
delivering a fresh sound that will help to return to life, consciousness, vigor,
and strength that traditional gospel quartets sound to the airways. They
have aided in restoring life to a genre that has been struggling to stay in the
mainstream of the gospel music industry. With this new project
The Fantastic Violinaires
will have the masses taking notice, once again, of gospel quartet music.
Young and old will enjoy this project. So, Revived is
certainly an appropriate title for this project.
One reason the guys were able to revive that unique
Violinaires'
sound is because of the current personnel. The group consists of Robert
Arrington, Dwight "Tito" Arthur, Pastor David Battle, Pastor Dr. Frank Thompson,
Jr., Pastor Danny Walker, Minister Wesley Hill, and Minister Charles Brown. All
these guys have recorded numerous projects with the group while Robert Blair was
the primary lead singer. Some of the guys have been with the group for
over 30 years. The musicians for the group are Roderick Arrington, Christopher S
Gray, and Rev. Thomas Rhyant Jr. It should be noted that Rev. Rhyant also
can be heard as part of the background vocals on many of the songs. Notice
how many members of the group are Pastors and ministers. That alone speaks
volume as to why this project will minister to you.
As to the songs, many have been recorded before by the group; such as, "The
Lord’s Prayer," "Born Again, Tell Me How Long,"
and "I Don’t Know." In spite of these being previously
recorded, any fan of The
Fantastic Violinaires
will agree that it is a blessing to have these songs revived by the group.
Other songs on this project are "Everlasting Love," "He
Makes It Possible," "He Makes it Possible Outlude," "Glory
Hallelujah," "That’s What He Did," "Jesus In You and
Me," "Bless Me," "Pray," "Whenever I
Need You" and "I Believe."
It is difficult to select a favorite song from this project. Literally
ever song on this project is a good listen. Each song will minister to you.
With each song you can not help but notice the sincerity and care that is taken
in every aspect of this project. Everything from the background vocals to
the instrumentation levels shows a great deal of care in the production of this
outstanding release.
One final aspect to this project is that the guys did not try to replace the
late Robert Blair. They did not forget Blair with this project, for
some of the songs he recorded with the group are on this project. But, the
guys realize that they did not have to replace Blair to be a solid group. After
all, the group already has some of the greatest lead singers in gospel music.
Take your pick, Robert Arrington, Dwight "Tito" Arthur, Pastor David Battle,
Pastor Dr. Frank Thompson, Jr., Pastor Danny Walker, Minister Wesley Hill, or
Minister Charles Brown. Each showcases their vocal talents on this project.
Overall this is a great project and should be in your collection. You will not be
disappointed. If you like traditional gospel quartet music this CD will
only endear you more to the genre. We give
The Fantastic Violinaires’
Revived a 10 out of 10. Click
HERE to purchase the CD. Click on the
title to hear
"Jesus
In You And Me." |
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