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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. December 28, 2004 Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of talking with Renee Williams of The Williams Sisters. She talked about the excitement that she, her sisters, Janice, Juilette, Vanessa, Patricia and their mother Terry share in the release of their new project Power in the House. They are excited about the fact that they had an opportunity to help produce this project. The group wrote all of the songs on the project, and one can tell from their deliverance that they are into every song that they recorded. The project is full of soul and energy. While this project is a power packed CD with a strong message in each song, the title cut "Power In The House" is definitely is a foot tapper, and one cannot listen without being moved by their powerful deliverance. This Philadelphia based, EMI Gospel signed recording group leaves no stone unturned with the release of their latest project. The group is very thankful for the opportunity given them by EMI in releasing their second project and producer Tony Beck for all of his support in making The Williams Sisters a household name. Renee thanked their fans for being patient and for the love they receive as they travel around the country promoting their project. Their future plans include an overseas tour. There is no doubt when talking with Renee that the group is sold out for the Lord. She stated that they still attend their father's camp meeting service and sings each night of the meeting. Also, when they are home you can find them in worship service at their father's church, Pastor James Williams, Sr., Temple of Christ Church located in the heart of West Philly. Our prayers are with The Williams Sisters as they carry the message of God's love and healing power from coast to coast. If you don't have this project, please go out to your local stores and pick up a copy. The year 2004 has been a year for the releasing of great quartet music. I've been overwhelmed with so much great music this year and I want to encourage you, the reader, to support the various groups by giving the gift of music this season. Humility Music Group located in Rome, Georgia under the leadership of Glen Stevenson (co-producer of Lee Williams' Stellar Award-winning Good Time album and Williams' 300,000 unit selling Love Will Go All The Way, along with Doc McKenzie's multi-award winning, Hold On album) teams up with industry vet Timothy Moore to deliver a record for all ages. They have just released Charles Davis and The Clouds' Trust In Jesus. This 12-song project was recorded live in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and is filled with a mixture of explosive up tempo tunes and soul stirring ballads —hit after hit. Suggested cuts include "Hard Times", "Few More Days", "Broken Pieces", "Few More Days", and the song "How I Love Him", which shows his versatility and leaves the listener wanting more. Davis has been singing in and around his hometown of Clayton, Alabama for some twenty years and now it's time for the world to get acquainted with this prolific songwriter and arranger. After many request and trips to the store, music lover's can now pickup their copy of The Gospel Wonders, recorded on the Church Howse Music label. What a power packed CD! The song "Noah" is taking this nation by storm or should I say tornado. The Wonders are fresh and new, their music presents traditional quartet music with a twist! This group of young harmonizers has something for every quartet music lover. Suggested cuts: every song on album, this CD is that strong. On the East Coast there is a group called The Pilot-Aires, and their latest release is Turn It Over. This group is a dream come true for founding member Billy Ray (Ted) Mickens. The Pilot-Aires are noted for their musical talent in the DC area but with the release of their new project they are sure to become a familiar name within the quartet music industry. With the release of this project the Pilot-Aires are expecting to win more souls for Christ. The album is filled with a blend of traditional Quartet and R&B Gospel. Get ready for a group out of Montgomery, AL called The Alabama Boys. This group is smokin'! This group takes you to church with their exuberant presentation of songs like "No Way I Can Lose", Something Got A Hold Of Me" and "Learning To Lean". This group of men is sure to penetrate the hearts of the quartet music lover with their smooth style of singing. Evelyn Turrentine-Agee presents her husband Joe Agee. The project, entitled Glory, Glory Hallelujah!, features God's Good 'Ole Boys'. This CD is packed with 11 songs plus a bonus track that is sure to bless the listener with songs like "Just A Little Talk With Jesus", Down Through the Years", "Lord We Need You" Search Me Lord" and the classic "Precious Lord". Get ready for some hip slappin', toe-tapping good old-fashioned Gospel music. Blackberry Records has just released Songs Mama Sing Volume III, and there is no doubt about it, this is the best one yet. This CD is filled with music by Neal Roberson, The Williams Bros, The Texas Boyz and a bonus track by Rev. Clay Evans. Talkin' bout churchin', this project is too hot. Every song on this CD is great. This is truly one that you want to add to your music collection. Congratulations to all of the Grammy nominees! We especially want to congratulate The Williams Bros. on their nomination for Still Here. Paul Porter of The Christianaires was recently hospitalized for selective hip replacement surgery but is reportedly doing well at this time. Let's keep Paul lifted up in prayer. Also, we asked your prayers for Doc McKenzie and his family in the homegoing of his father. We wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Remember to BUY the music, please DON'T BURN it, and don't buy it off the corner or out of the back of a car. Support the Artists! Make a purchase at your local music store. 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. Previous Shouts and Drives Columns: June 2003 August 2003 September 2003 October 2003 December 2003 February 2004 May 2004 August 2004 October 2004
December 28, 2004 |
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