For this month's review we move to the fine state of Louisana and take a look at the brand new release from The Concert Supremes.  In the midst of a countless number of CD releases from the industry's best this group of young men have managed to make some serious noise with their new project "Just 4 U".  As you can tell from the title these guys have a style that is far from just the same old same old.  Employing the innovative mastermind Dwight Gordon as producer there is literally little else to be said about this project.  However, we have to mention just a few selections to give you a feel for this powerful release and what it has to offer.

In the midst of the Summer of 2002 milieu I do have to say this project is one of few that makes an effort to offer a little something for every type of gospel listener.  In fact the title really says it all, for there is definitely something for everyone on this 12 cut project.  In fact if you had to categorize this project you would have to say it's a traditional CD with a contemporary spin.  Under the leadership of Ronald Kennedy and Marvin Howard this project opens with the mid tempo "Anything You Want".  While the song does bare a striking resemblance to "Mississippi Po Boy" from the Canton Spirituals, it is definitely a good number to open with.  The fellas then move into one of my favorite numbers on the project "Waymaker".  With a serious bass grove this laid back number showcases the vocal prowess of Ronald Kennedy to perfection.  His ability to move flawlessly through the tight background vocals is amazing.  This song literally builds from a laid back cool feel, to a serious whirlwind of spirit filled praise.  

While Ronald Kennedy handles much of the lead vocal duties throughout the project he has a very capable side kick in Marvin Howard. Marvin's smooth style works perfectly with the more hard edged Ronald Kennedy. In fact these two young lead vocalists serve to push one another and each of them are very effective in their roles on each selection.  Other songs of note on the first half of the project include the beautiful ballad "I'm Yours", and the classic drive "So Soon".  "I'm Yours"  is yet another of my favorites on this project.  Talk about a serious message in song!  In this song Ronald Kennedy employs us to stop trying to do things on our own and give our lives entirely to God and allow him to work.  It is during this selection that you will notice that these guys can really sing. This song is quartet perfection.

When I first heard the Supremes arrangement of "So Soon" on the their radio sing earlier this year all I could think of is how proud the late Wilmer "Little Axe" Brodnax would be of this arrangement.  The late great Little Axe was well known for driving this song to serious heights with the Golden Echoes right behind him on every dip, dive, and changeup.  The Supremes make a few arrangement changes on this one but the song definitely keeps it's character as a serious quartet drive. 

While the first half of the project was dedicated almost solely to traditional numbers The Concert Supremes do some experimenting on the second half.  "Right Road" almost has a techno feel to it, complete with vocal interjections and some interesting background arrangements.  This song definitely has a serious little jump to it though.  Following this selection the group moves into probably Marvin's best number on this project "The Only Help I Know".  In this soul stirring ballad Marvin is defiantly allowed all the room necessary to showcase his vocal skill and sincere thankfulness to God for deliverance.  After listening to this selection you really realize that the Concert Supremes bread and butter is by all means their slow ballads.  These songs are absolutely beautiful and never fail to put you in a spirit of praise for God's grace shown forth in our lives daily.     

As we bring this review to a close I would be remised to mention two other standout selections on this project.  The first is the group's beautiful arrangement of "Anyway You Bless Me".  This song even comes complete with simulated pops and clicks as if you were listening to an old 33 1/3 LP.  Ronald takes the listener back to the old school on this number that is sure to be a fan favorite on radio and in "Live" performance.  The last number I would like mention is probably my favorite number on the project "Daddy's Song" aka "That's Alright".  This song has always been a favorite and Ronald puts some serious singing on this arrangement.  During this selection I couldn't help but notice the striking vocal resemblance to Cecil Washington of the Texas Boyz.  Complete with flights into falsetto, Ronald and The Concert Supremes treat us to a real house wrecker.