This month’s review takes us back to a project that was recorded over twelve (12) years ago. In 1996, The Mighty Clouds of Joy went to Abundant Life Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church in Charleston, South Carolina and recorded one of the best gospel videos of all time.  The project is aptly titled Live In Charleston – The Legacy Continues.  And, what a legacy!

The Clouds have been around for almost fifty (50) years.  During that time they have carved a significant niche for themselves in gospel music.  They have built upon the legacy of groups like (just to name a few of the groups) The Golden Gate Quartet, The Dixie Hummingbirds and The Pilgrim Travelers.  So, it is very appropriate for this video to reflect a continuation of that Legacy.

The video begins with the guys on their custom built bus singing A Cappella while arriving in Charleston.  The concert begins with the guys singing "Meeting Tonight."  What a great song to begin the song service. In deed they were having a meeting a Abundant Life Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion the night of this recording.
 

The next song is "Jesus Cares."  Joe delivers a testimony relating to his illness and the guys in the background never skipped a beat in delivering the power words that "Jesus Cares."  The group moved from "Jesus Cares" to "Steal Away."  Gospel quartet enthusiasts may remember how this song begins with oohs by the background singers; and, also how it moves to the falsetto voices carrying the background with ‘steal away to Jesus.’  Although, this song has been recorded by the group numerous times, it is still good to see them singing it as part of a live recoding.

Richard Wallace then takes over the bass vocal duties on "God Is Not Dead."  The group is also backed up by the choirs on this song.  Thereafter, Doug Williams joins the guys in "Living Testimony."  The choirs also back up Joe and Doug on this song.  And, near the end of this song Melvin Williams joins the group.

"We’re Blessed" is the next song.  The choir really adds another dimension to this song.  It is followed by "I Don’t Feel No-Ways Tired."  Thereafter, Ron Staples takes over lead duty on "Another Blessing."

Joe returned to lead duties with "I Believe I’ll Run On."  This is one of the hard driving songs from The Clouds.  And, the night of this recording was no different.  They drove this song to another level.  The audience really got into the service with this song.

"I Know I’ve Been Changed" is the next song on the video.  Joe than tells the story of Little Scotty with "You’ll Be Alright."  The recording closes with a sermonette by Joe that leads into "Bright Side."

The members of the group for this recording were Joe Ligon, Richard Wallace, Michael McCowin, Wilbert Williams, Ron Staples and Johnny Valentine.  Along with Abundant Life Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Choir, Jerry Smith and The Children of Israel of Jackson, Mississippi, also provided background vocals.

As to the layout for this recording, the pulpit area was definitely large enough for the group.  In fact, the guys had space between them that will remind you of the stage setting for Doc McKenzie and The Hi-Lites' Holding On or some of Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's videos.  The staging for the program should not be a surprise when you realize that James Bullard and Jerry Peters were the Executive Producers of this project. 

The musicians were situated to the left of the pulpit in what appears to be an area similar to an orchestra's pit.  So, there is no distraction that may have occurred had the musicians been located directly behind the group.   

The lighting is great.  There are many close-ups of the members of the group.  There are also great shots of the audience.  Because of the size (the church was packed) of the audience, the group was able to get close up and personal with those in attendance as they moved from song to song.  

The quality of the sound is outstanding.  There are no highs or lows in the sound quality.  The recording level is consistent throughout the video.

The project is nothing but good ole traditional gospel quartet music.  This is one video that captures the fullness of great gospel quartet singing.  It may be hard to find, but this is one that you definitely want to have in your collection. 

Overall this is an outstanding video.  We give The Mighty Clouds of Joy's "Live In Charleston - The Legacy Continues" a 10 out of 10.  To order your copy of the video click HERE.