Just when you think you have heard the best that Mississippi has to offer in the way of gospel quartet groups, you get a CD that leave you asking the questions – who are these guys? And where have they been?  The CD we are referring to is the new project by The Crown of Joy.  Therefore, this month we review The Crown of Joy’s “An Evening With The Crowns (Live and More)."

If you have not heard of this group before, let us introduce the members to you.  They are, lead singer, Wayne Byas Wooten; drummer, Eddie Brown; background vocal and keyboard, Tommy Avant; background vocal and lead guitar, Alvis Hatch; and Victor Avant, background vocal and bass guitar. 

These guys are extraordinary musicians, singers, and writers.  The group has been in existence for about twenty-five (25) years.  And it shows in how the guys move from ballads to up-tempo songs without skipping a beat.  Not only is there a distinctive lead singer, Wayne Byas Wooten, but the background harmony is tight on each of the songs.  "An Evening With The Crowns" is the group’s fourth recording.  There first album was “Didn’t It Rain,” which was recorded in 1987.  In 1994, they recorded the CD “Taking It To Another Level.”  And in 2002, they recorded the CD “Born Again.”

“An Evening With The Crows” was actually the Watch Night service ushering out 2003 and ushering in 2004.  It was recorded at Cathedral AME Zion Church, Jackson, Mississippi.  It was released on September 22, 2005.

According to Victor Avant, the overall theme of this project is love.  The love of God for us his children.  The love we should show towards our fellowman.  And the kind of love, for each other, that is so lacking in the world today.

The recoding begins with “Nicodemus.”  The story of Nicodemus is told in a mid-tempo song which immediately showcases the strength of the lead singer and the background's awesome harmony. “Nicodemus” was previously recorded by the Crowns on their "Taking It To Another Level” CD.  With “Love Lift Me” the Crowns slows things down, while they take you back to what some call the ‘good ole days’ of gospel music – just great signing with a great message.      

The rhythm and blues roots of the Crowns take over in songs like “Just For Your Love,” “Holding On,” “Candidate” and “You’re All I Need.”  Although some may find the songs a little heavy on the rhythm and blues style, don’t let that distract you from the message of the songs. 

With songs like “Move On Up In Glory,”  “We Need Love,” and the one minute 20 seconds Interlude to “Like A Bridge” you will realize that the Crown have much respect for legendary groups like Slim and The Supreme Angels, The Canton Spirituals and The Jackson Southernaires.  In fact the project contains a tribute to The Late Frank Williams of The Jackson Southernaires – Step by Step.  This, by the way, is one of the best overall songs on the project.  This is certainly a song that you will find yourself playing over and over.

There is also a tribute to The Late Rev. Roger Bryant of The Jackson Southernaires – Higher Ground.  Although, “An Evening With The Crowns“ is a live recording, this particular track was actually done in the studio.  Without being told this little known fact, you probably would not be able to recognize the recording as being an add-on done in the studio.   

So, it is obvious that The Jackson Southernaires have significantly influenced the Crowns.  At the same time, this project is all The Crowns of Joy.  They may have been influenced by others, but there signing style is their own.  Listen to “Serve You” and you will hear what we mean.  All of the influences (R&B, the legendary groups) come together on this song, including Joe Ligon’s ‘thank you’ that he often says at the end of a song..

“Born Again” would probably be considered the drive song.  This song was previously recorded by the Crowns on the 2002 project titled "Born Again."  Wayne really put a lot of energy into this song, and the audience certainly responded favorably. 

On the whole this release from The Crowns of Joy is a good project.  We give The Crowns of Joy "An Evening With The Crowns (Live and More)" a very solid 8.5 out of 10. To order this project you should contact the group at 662-492-0031, 662-494-8698, 601-506-3376, or 601-371-3356.  Click on the title to hear “Just For Your Love.”