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  Retailer, radio announcer and artist manager are only some of what she does. Quartet enthusiast Ms. Willie McClendon writes this regularly-appearing quartet column for Gospelflava.com. July 30, 2007 Hello Everybody! The sound of music is in the air and it's coming from the North, South, East and West. It's even in the air of Japan, Bahamas, Italy, Poland and Canada. The drumbeats are sounding loud as musician, singers, dancers, songwriters, choral directors, teachers, promoters, radio announcers, music executives, evangelist, bishops, and elders prepare to bring their music and ministry to Mickey Land. The Gospel Music Workshop of America, celebrating 40 years, will convene their annual convention August 12-17, 2007 at Disney World in Orlando, FL. Mickey Land will be filled with all kinds of gospel music, including our beloved quartet music. The Quartet Division of GMWA under the leadership of Tyrone Porter has planned some major activities including Quartet Quest, where groups will showcase their talent and compete for monetary prizes up to $1000.00. All Quartet Quest Showcase participants will receive a certificate of recognition and an additional prize package that will assist and boost the career of emerging artist. The winners will be announced at the Quartet Division Salute to Pioneers. The Quartet Division will also offer seminars Monday - Thursday at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Those in attendance will receive valuable information that is sure to help take their music ministry to the next level. It's not too late —you still have time to register. Recently I received music from some groups that you may not know of. But let me tell you, you soon will. I've heard some great music filled with infectious praise. I've been amazed and in some cases blown away by the sound of ministry that permeates straight to the heart. One such group is Bishop Kenneth Robinson and Chosen. This CD, entitled Turnaround, grabs your attention right away with the opening song, which is actually a Gospel Medley that takes you straight to church with such songs such as "Jesus Is On The Main Line", "This Little Light of Mine", "What Do You Know About Jesus" and "God Is a Good God". Upon hearing this medley the listener will experience the absolute assurance that God is Good and Yes, He's worthy to be praised. This group continues their music ministry with their harmonic blend and adds a twist to each one of the thirteen-recorded songs. Next, Charles Walker and Good News are getting ready to release their project, Praise Him. Get ready to get your praise on with this group for they really do have something for you. Wait, hold on; let me tell you about Sonny McClary and the All-stars! This dynamic group of singers will be known for their Spirit-filled energetic and powerful delivery of their music and the ability to hold the listener spellbound, wondering what's next. Michael Boykin & Majesty's Put God First is another CD that the quartet enthusiast will enjoy. This group has a mixture of the old and new sound and shows the group's versatility. I'd also like to recommend that you add to your collection the new CD by the 7 Sons of Soul. Titled Witness, this CD is full of great music and includes "I'm A Man", "Clap Your Hands", and their hit song "Prayin 4 You". The McDonald Sisters' CD, I Need Him, is in stores and you need to check them out. This group is known for their powerful style and the ability to bless the people of God with their music. The genre of quartet music continues to grow and impact the music industry. While there is a lull in the music industry, quartets are still going strong. So, I encourage you to support your favorite groups by purchasing their music. Also, I encourage you to call your local radio station and request that they play music by your favorite quartet groups, as there is a lot of radio-friendly music available to be played. In addition to the aforementioned CD's, check out these top sellers, you should be able to find them in your local stores: Best of by Slim and Supreme Angels, Soulful Healing and Tell The Angels by Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC's, Movin' by Mighty Clouds of Joy, It Hasn't Always Been Easy by Spencer Taylor and the Hwy QC's, Jesus Got Me Off by the Pilgrim Jubilees, Retrospective by the Blind Boys of Alabama. Be on the lookout for the new project by Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC's scheduled to be in stores in late August. Also, look for the group New Harvest, their CD is schedule to be released in September. This sophomore project is smokin', just wait til' you hear "I'm A Witness." The Disciples, formerly The Singing Disciples of Baltimore, MD, are getting ready to release their new project. If you are having a problem locating music mentioned in this column, please email me. Remember, "It's not the sound - it's a life style". GOSPELflava.com recognizes the importance and impact that this genre of music is making in our lives and are happy to announce the launching of this column dedicated to quartets. It's Shouts and Drives. If you wish to contact us about a new quartet project, email us here. Check out this column's archives here: Column Archives
July 30, 2007 |
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