2004

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As this year comes to a close, it is safe to say that this has been a very active year for gospel quartet music.  The year started with many new projects and during the year the projects just got better.  There were gospel quartet concerts every week around the country and many abroad.  There were many highlights during this year.  Check out our year-end review in January 2005 for a complete assessment of the gospel quartet genre for the year 2004. 

It also appears that 2005 will be a great year for gospel quartet music.  The year will begin with a major concert in Hopkins, South Carolina on New Year’s Day, featuring The Williams Brothers, Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites, Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC’s, Slim and The Supreme Angels, The Jackson Southernaires, Luther Barnes and The Sunset Jubilaires, George Dean and The Gospel Four, The Gospel Legends, The Gospel Redeemers, and the exciting Rev. Matthew Mickens and The New Highway Travelers.  Then on January 2, 2005, Bo-Peep and Good News will record their “Live” project in Wilson, North Carolina.  And all of this during the first 2 days in 2005.  Also, there will be many new releases in 2005, beginning with several in January. 

So, quartet fans get some rest over the holidays, because it is going to be a very busy 2005.

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Many labels will be reissuing projects, in 2005, that were recorded several years ago.  AIR Gospel is starting off the New Year with a significant number of reissued projects.  Many are listed in the Upcoming Project section below. 

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Twin Towers Entertainment and E & J Records announce that The Memphis Harmonizers' new project will be released in January 2005.  This is a live recording that features Clay and Cleve Graham of The Pilgrim Jubilees and Rev. Roney Strong of The Sensational Strong Family.  The project is titled Catch On Fire.  Having viewed the video of the titled track Catch On Fire, we strongly recommend this project.  You may want to place an advance order for this project.  It will probably not stay on store shelves. 

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Second Chance’s new project is now in the marketplace.  “Judge Not” is certainly a project that you will want to add to your collection.  To purchase a copy of this project contact Courtney Jackson at (402) 208-3720.

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December will be a busy month for the gospel quartet community.  There will be several live recordings during December, including Evelyn Turrentine-Agee and the Warriors and The Mighty Clouds Of Joy.  Several new projects are slated to hit the marketplace.  Top among these projects will be Second Chance’s “Judge Not.” 

And there are many gospel quartet concerts that will be keeping the top acts in this genre and many local groups very busy.  Every week in December there is a concert featuring the likes of Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites, Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC’s and The Williams Brothers.

As busy as this month will be, let us not forget the true meaning of, or at least why we celebrate, Christmas.  Let us rejoice in celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior.  Let us not get sidetrack into thinking only of gifts and good food.  In all that you do this month remember the real “reason for this season.” 

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The independent labels are beginning to send to the marketplace very good projects.  One example of this is the new project by The Willie Harris Gospel Singers.  Their new project is on the 2004 Gospel Truth Recordings label.  The title of this project is "Hey Backsliders, God Want To Take You Back."  To order a copy of this project contact Vincent Chappelle at (773) 651-9778.

Mega Faith Records,, another independent label, is slated to release the new solo project of Minister Teddy Cross in early 2005.  Minister Cross, a former member of Willie Neal Johnson & The New Gospel Keynotes, is the CEO of Mega Faith Records. 

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Humility Music Group has released its second project.  It is the debut CD of Blest By Four, titled “Pressing On.”  This group is bound to become a major group in the gospel quartet genre.  For a copy of this new project contact Glenn Stevenson at (706) 368-9133. 

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Bo Beep and Good News' next project will be a live recording.  The recording will take place on Sunday, January 2, 2005, at Glory Baptist Church, Wilson, North Carolina.  The recording will begin at 6:00 PM.  No tickets will be sold for this recording.  This will be Bo Peep and Good News’ sophomore project and their first live recording. 

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Yes, it is true.  On Saturday, December 4, 2004, Evelyn Turrentine-Agee and The Warriors will be in concert for a live recording.  The recording will take place at Christian Tabernacle Church, 26555 Franklin Road, Southfield, Michigan.  The concert is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM.  We understand that this recording will consist of mainly new songs.  For additional information about the live recording contact Unity Enterprise or SOR Records at (313) 838-6489. 

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The Swanee Quintet's new CD is now in the marketplace.  It is titled The Legendary Swanee Quintet  - “Still Holding On.”  The 16 tracks on this CD are sure to please fans of the Swanee Quintet.  To purchase a copy of this CD contact Rod Nickerson of Onyx Entertainment at (706) 481-0553.

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When you mention Augusta, Georgia and Gospel Quartet Music two (2) institutions come to mind.  The first is the Swanee Quintet.  Know as the Boss of the South.  The Swanee Quintet has been singing the Word in song for over sixty (60) years.  They are truly legends.  Percy and Big Red, and the fellows, still give you that Swanee’s sound, nothing but pure hard hitting traditional gospel quartet music. 

The next institution that comes to mind is the Parade of Quartets and it's hosts Representative Henry L. Howard and his son, Rev. Karlton L. Howard.  The Parade of Quartets is a weekly television program that his been on the air since 1950.  In fact, we understand that during the early years, the program was televised for two and one-half (2˝) hours each Sunday morning.  Can you imagine a gospel quartet program on television for two and one-half (2˝) hours in the 50's and 60's?  As a result of this program almost every group on the road received television exposure before it became popular to have gospel television programs.  So many groups have appeared on this program.  It would consume a great deal of this News Page to name them all.  Suffice it to say that all of the legends of gospel quartet have probably appeared more than once.

The historic trailblazing program and its hosts will be the focus of the gospel quartet community on November 6, 2004.  On that date the Parade of Quartets will formerly celebrate its 50^th Anniversary with a full day of activities, including a banquet and culminating with an awards program honoring the legends of gospel quartet music.  Some of the legendary groups and persons to be honored are Mr. Thomas Spann of the Brooklyn All-Stars, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Slim & The Supreme Angels, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Blind Boys, The Brewsteraires, The Pilgrim Jubilees, The Swan Silvertones, and many more.  Many of the legends will be presented The Golden Drum Award for their contribution to gospel quartet music. 

Beginning at 10:00 AM that morning, the Parade of Quartets will be recording, for television, performances by gospel quartet groups to be aired at a later date.  There will be four (4) hours of taping.  Should your group desire to be a part of this taping, you MUST contact Rev. Karlton L. Howard.  Only groups that have been scheduled in advance will be a part of this recording.  Not only will the taping of groups take place, all events of the 50^th Anniversary celebration will be recorded and televised at a later date. 

You may contact Rev. Howard at (706) 722-1123 or visit their website at www.paradeofquartets.com for ticket information and for a schedule of events.

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Evelyn Turrentine-Agee proudly presents her husband Joe Agee, featuring God’s Good 'Ole Boys (GGOB), new project – “Glory, Glory Hallelujah.”  The project is finally in the marketplace.   It was well worth the wait.  The project is packed with “good old time” gospel quartet music.  Afterall, Evelyn Turrentine-Agee is the Executive Producer of the project.    If you are unable to find it at your local outlet contact Unity Distribution at (313) 838-6489 to purchase your copy.   

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Mark Ballard, President of Marxan Records, reports that Quita Lumzy, of The Lumzy Sisters, will be recording a solo project on November 13, 2004, at Derita Baptist Church, 2835 West Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte North Carolina; and that The Lumzy Sisters will be recording their next project in December 2004.

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Humility Music Group has released its first project.  It is the debut CD of Charles Davis & The Clouds, titled “Trust In Jesus.”  Glen Stevenson, formerly of MCG Records, is the CEO of Humility Music Group.  He is the mastermind behind this new project.  Glenn was instrumental in introducing Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s to the world.  He has found another jewel in Charles Davis & The Clouds.  To order this project contact Humility Music Group at (706) 368-9133.  This project will also be available on VHS and DVD in 2005.

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High Praise Records announces that Second Chance will debut their new project, Judge Not, at a concert in Omaha, Nebraska on November 13, 2004. 

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October should be an exciting month for gospel quartet music.  Along with several holiday projects being released, several great compilations are set to hit the market.  Gospel Quartet Collection Volume 1 is a two-disc package.  One disc contains thirteen songs from The Highway QC’s and the other has twelve songs from The Angelics. 

Gospel Quartet Collection Volume 2 is a three-disc package.  The first disc contains twelve songs from The Harmonizing Four.  Disc two contains twelve songs from The Swan Silvertones.  And, disc three contains twelve songs from The Davis Sisters. 

Light Records has released a two CD project simply titled "Quartet Gospel."  This project features The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Slim & The Supreme Angels, The Christainaires, The Highway QC's, The Winans, Totally Commissioned and Commission.  Each CD contains ten tracks.  Fifteen of the twenty tracks are by the traditional gospel quartet groups.  To order or just view these projects, click on the name of the projects.  The name of each compilation is in red.   

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Gloryland Holiday Music Store is now opened.  In the Gloryland Holiday Music Store you will find many CD's by gospel quartet groups singing the songs of the Christmas season.  To visit the store click here.

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Fans of Margaret Allison and The Angelic Gospel Singers will be excited about their new project.  The new CD is titled “Go On.”  It can be purchased by clicking on the red title of the CD.

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We have received numerous inquiries from individuals trying to obtain a copy of the new CD by True Believers.  The CD is titled “Home With Family and Friends.”  It can be purchased by contacting DET Records.  Their telephone number is (601) 783-6305. 

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The wait is finally over for the new release from The Canton Spiritual entitled "New Life:  Live In Harvey, IL."  Fans of the Cantons will certainly not be dissatisfied with this project.  And if you really love to hear Harvey sing, well he definitely does not disappoint you on this project.  In addition to Harvey, quartet fans will be pleasantly surprise with special guest Paul Porter, of The Christainaires, sharing lead on “Stronger” and “Don’t Worry About Me.”  Jay Lowe (the driving force behind Tommy Ellison’s last project) lends his penmanship to “I Wouldn’t Be Satisfied" and “I’m Doing Fine.”  The song ”Follow Me” is tribute to the late Harvey Watkins, Sr.  You can feel the emotions that Harvey, Jr. puts into this song.  This project also features some great and unique arrangements of songs from the past, such as, “I Been In The Storm Too Long” and “That’s Enough.”  If you enjoy the smooth singing of The Canton Spirituals then this new release is for you.  Click on the album cover below to purchase your copy today.

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The Original Northernaires’ new project “Your Blessing is Coming,” is one that is a must for your collection.  If you have never heard of The Original Northernaires, the 11 tracks on this project will have you asking the questions – who are these guys? And where have they been?  Well, the group has been around for many years.  In fact, the group is an offspring of the group The Spiritual Travelairs.  The anchor of the group was Lee Cloud.  Mr. Cloud recently went home to Glory.  However, the group has not skipped a beat.  At present, the group members are Jimmie Sutton (who is the only remaining original member), Derek Sutton, Danny Sutton, Derek Sutton Jr., Minister Howard Beamon, Eric Barnes and Stanley Williams.  To purchase a copy of the CD contact Mr. Danny Sutton at (718) 776-2833.  

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It is rare that we comment on a concert on this page.  However, The Williams Brothers’ ministering last night could not be overlooked and is worthy of special attention. 

Have you ever attended a concert and knew that the anointing was in the house?  Not only in the house, but having been revealed through the performance of a particular group?  Well, last night  (Saturday, October 16, 2004) in Lake City, South Carolina, The Williams Brothers were in that anointing “zone.”  Having seen the Brothers to many times to remember, we can truly say that last night was like none of their previous concerts that we have attended.  It was not the fact the audience did not want them to leave the stage.  It was not the fact that they sang a good mixture of old and new songs.  It was because they really MINISTERED in song.  No show.  No clowning.  No trying to get the audience involved.  They just sang from their hearts.  Many were seen wiping their eyes during the singing of “Still Here.” If the performance last night was captured on video, it would be a blessing to so many people around the world.  To read an article on the entire concert go to http://scgospelquartet.com/News/October.html.

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The Racy Brothers' last project was in 1997.  The ‘seven’ year hiatus is over.  Their new project, “I Won’t Forget,” can be pre-ordered by clicking the CD cover below.  Lee Williams shares the lead with the Racy Brothers on “Touch Me."  Jerry Peters and James Bullard have produced a fantastic project. 

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E & J Records announces that The Memphis Harmonizers have recorded what is bound to be one of the hottest single of the year, Catch On Fire.  Not only is a great song, but it features Clay and Cleve Graham of the legendary Pilgrim Jubilees.  E & J has taken the single to another level and has also developed a concept video.  If your favorite radio station is not playing this song, contact them and request that they contact E & J for a copy.  We will advise you of the street date and where you may purchase the project once it is released to the public.    

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Previously, we informed you about Robert Williams' new project.  The title song, "I Miss You So Bad," is a tribute to Willie Neal Johnson.  It is a very unique tribute and it alone is worth purchasing the CD.  You may purchase the project by clicking here.

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June and July have been very active months for the release of new gospel quartet projects.  Several can be found below.  Also, DET Records of McComb, Mississippi, released the new live recording of True Believers, titled “Home With Family and Friends.”  

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Gloryland Quartet Radio has returned to its previous format, except that it is now in the media format of mp3.  The speed in which you are able to download the broadcast will depend upon the speed of your connection to the Internet.  For the present time, you will still be able to enjoy Gloryland Gospel programming at LIVE365.com.  During the month of August, you can still reach the Live365 broadcast from the Gloryland Gospel Quartet Radio page or you may go directly to the broadcast at http://www.live365.com/stations/310026. 

In addition to the change in the media format, Gloryland Gospel Radio page will contain the current month's broadcast and the two prior months'.  We are considering an archive, that you will be able to access, containing all of the available previous months' broadcast.  We would like to know what you think of this idea.  Beginning this month, we have also added the name of the album or CD on which the songs used on the broadcast can be found.

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August will be another banner month.  Michael Buie advises that the long awaited project on Lil Blair and The New Fantastic Violinaires will soon be released.  The new lineup for the group includes Michael Smith, Emory Smith, Cedric Strickland, Michael Buie, Titus Stallworth and Willie Riley.

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Tyrone Porter (of The Christianaires) and Joe Horn, of the NFL's New Orleans Saints, have teamed up to launch a new label.  The name of the label is For Life Miracle Records.  Mr. Horn is President of this new label.  Mr. Porter serves as Vice-President.  The label is based in the hometown of The Christianaires, Sontag, Mississippi.  The first group signed to the label is The Evereardys.  Yes, The Evereadys are back in the studio.  No street date has been set for their upcoming project.  However, it is certain to be a highly anticipated project.  By the way, Tyrone Porter was recently hospitalized.  We spoke with him and he indicated that he is now doing just fine. 

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MCG is slated to release the new project on The Racy Brothers in August.  Pinkney Records is set to release a yet untitled project on The Gospel Drifters.  This project will not only feature Reggie Funderburk, but also Perry Taft (formerly of Willie Neal Johnson & The New Gospel Keynotes).  A two-track demo has already been shipped to various radio stations.  In August, Gloryland Gospel Quartet Radio will include one of the tracks.  

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Gloryland Gospel CD Store will be expanded significantly within the next 30 days.  You will be able to find an increased variety of old, new and used CD’s.  In addition, a new Gloryland Gospel Video Store will be opening very soon.  Also, beginning in October 2004, Gloryland Gospel will begin reviewing gospel videos.  To have your video consider for review, just send us a sealed copy of your VHS or DVD.  

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You will notice that the mailing address and telephone number for Gloryland Gospel have changed.  Also you will find on the Contact Gloryland page several new email addresses that will make it easier for you to communicate with us.  Gloryland Gospel will begin to archive previous news articles.  You can find the archive by clicking Industry News Archive below.

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Reverend Richard Bush reports that George Carter, formerly of The Christianaires, is now a member of The New Flint Cavaliers.  With the addition of Mr. Carter, The New Flint Cavaliers has, not a new sound, but an enhance sound.  The current members of the group are Reverend Richard Bush, Craig Johnson, Jay Britt, Marcus Peterson, George Carter and Phillip Shipp.  Dennis Miller is no longer with the group. 

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Gloryland Quartet Radio has returned to its previous format, except that it is now in the media format of mp3.  The speed in which you are able to download the broadcast will depend upon the speed of your connection to the Internet.  For the present time, you will still be able to enjoy Gloryland Gospel programming at LIVE365.com.  You can still reach the Live365 broadcast from the Gloryland Gospel Quartet Radio page or you may go directly to the broadcast at http://www.live365.com/stations/310026. 

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Quartet History was made on Monday May 24th 2004 in Atlanta Georgia.  Probably the biggest event of the year took place as The World Famous Caravans took the stage at The famous Beulah Baptist Church for an amazing reunion performance.  All the members with the exception of Delores Washington who was attending to her extremely sick daughter in the hospital took the stage to perform for over 3,000 music fans and industry professionals. The crowd was so large that after well over 3,000 jammed into the church traffic was backed up for blocks as hundreds if not thousands more were turned away.  Many of the big names in gospel were present to witness this once in a lifetime event. Here are a few: Jerry Mannery of Malaco Records, Dr. Bobby Jones, Jeff Majors, Jessy Dixon, Evelyn Turrentine-Agee, Ricky Dillard, and so many more.  A little after 9 PM  Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Inez Andrews, and the Queen Albertina Walker took the audience down memory lane with some of the group's favorite numbers.  Supported by a podium Albertina Walker looked out on the waiting audience and smoothly sang one of her signature numbers "Work Till My Day Is Done".  Caught up in the Spirit Albertina praised God with shouts as the music began to play the familiar Inez Andrews hit "Mary Don't You Weep". For this song Evelyn Turrentine-Agee joined the Caravans on stage singing in the background.  Mrs. Andrews perhaps gaining strength from the standing crowd soared to unbelievable heights as she "Called Him A Little Louder".  Then it was time for Shirley Caesar.  Pastor Caesar set things up with a short sermonette as The Caesar Singers joined the Caravans on stage for "Sweeping Through The City".  As only she can Pastor Caesar continued to Minister with here signature songs "You Can Make It", and "Your Next In Line".  Oh What A Night It Was!! 

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The end of the month of May has been probably the greatest month of the year for Quartet.  In the space of a few weeks three major projects have hit from MCG Records, Malaco, and Blackberry. To top things off Videos are also available for several of the releases.  The first CD to hit came from the Legendary Spencer Taylor & The Highway QC's.  This project is mentioned below. Blackberry Records hit next with the new LIVE recording on The Texas Boyz. Next came new CD on The Christianaires of Sontag, MS.  Paul Porter and the fellas have outdone themselves on this project which also features a guest appearance from Chequita  Lumzy of the Lumzy Sisters.  Then the first installment of the highly anticipated LIVE recording from earlier this year at Earthlink LIVE in Atlanta Georgia.  The project is called SoulLink LIVE and features songs by The Williams Brothers, Supreme Angels, Canton Spirituals, Spiritual QC's, and more.  Click on the CD Covers below to add these great projects to your collection.  If this wasn't enough The Supreme Angels and The Gospel Four have released new Videos featuring the songs from their last projects.  Wow what a month in quartet!!

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Gospel Keynotes fans do you remember Robert Williams the former top singer for the Keynotes? Well, Robert has a new solo CD out entitled "I Miss You So Bad".  Robert joined the Keynotes in 1985 and actually still takes dates on occasion with the fellas.  This CD release represents Robert's 3rd solo project and it follows a trend that has become common in his music.  As a talented musician, producer, and song writer Robert does it all. Several songs should really catch the listener’s attention.  The title cut "I Miss You So Bad" is Robert's tribute to the late Willie Neal Johnson and many other Keynote members past and present. “Heal The Land” tells about the horrible tragedy now known simply as 911.  Robert even addresses the Columbine Shooting and violence in general in “A Message To Our Children”. Lastly, look out for “Lord Make Me Strong” which actually features the words from over 22 Gospel Keynote songs all in one number.  Robert currently resides in Raleigh North Carolina where he has lived for the past 6 years. To obtain the project or just to give him words of encouragement feel free to contact him at (919) 601-7115.  Within the next month you can look for the CD to be available on CDbaby.com.    

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Well friends, the Legendary Highway QC's are back.  The long awaited LIVE recording on the QC's that took place a few years ago in Morton, MS is now available on CD and cassette.  All of the QC classics like "Do You Love Him", "Oh How Wonderful", and the title cut "He Said" make an appearance on this 12 song project.  Spencer Taylor and the fellas are at their best harmonizing for the lively audience.  Several new songs like "Plenty Good Room" and the beautiful "Just To Behold His Face" make this project a well rounded new offering from one of the smoothest quartets ever to hit the stage Spencer Taylor & The Highway QC's.  Click on the album cover below to pick up your copy today. 

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Have you ever picked up a CD and literally fell in love with every song from start to finish? If you're looking for a CD that fits that bill then look no further than the new CD release from 17 year Canton Spirituals veteran Mr. Eddie Jackson.  This new CD by Eddie Jackson & The Harmony Echoes brings back the old Canton Spiritual sound with all the beauty of the modern day traditional quartet sound.  Produced by Harvey Watkins Jr. this project features powerful numbers like the beautiful Canton Spiritual classic from 1978 "Down Here In Your Care", the jumpin' drive number "Waiting on Jesus To Fix It", and the beautiful ballad "Walking By Faith".  Click HERE to hear a Multi-Song promotional clip.  In cooperation with Nu-Wave Records, Gloryland Gospel is now offering this CD for purchase on Gloryland's NEW CD Store.  To book Eddie Jackson & The Harmony Echoes contact (601) 352-3502.