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Kindred Spirit – Heavenly Highway
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Producer: Mike Bailey/Kendall Hadden
Label: Independent
Website: www.kindredspiritministry.com
Consisting of tenor, Kendall Hadden, Darian Taylor singing lead, Keith Rogers doing the baritone, and bass vocals provided by Brad Meeks (whose voice reminds me of Jody Medford who used to sing with the Anchormen, Kingdom Heirs and Squire Parsons back in the 1980s and early 1990s), and hailing from Swainsboro, Georgia, these guys have a very full and exciting sound. I find that the more I listen to this CD, the more elements I find to enjoy about their music. They are a group to watch because with the right essentials, they could really become a major force in the industry.
The Southern Gospel classic, “WHAT A MEETING” (which is also one of my all-time favorite songs) gets things started and showcases the group as a whole unit, while the aggressive sounding “OLD FASIONED REMEDY” featuring Darian Taylor, has a slightly different edge to it and it sounds great. I have reviewed two other recordings this year with this same song on it, and this may well be the best version of the three.
Slowing things down quite a bit is the simple and graceful sounding, “JESUS IS HERE” featuring tenor, Kendall Hadden and penned by Colbert and Joyce Croft. In complete contrast though, the group rips into the highly energetic “THEY SHALL WALK WITH ME IN WHITE”. This song has been around for many years, but has never been sung quite like this. The same uniqueness is given to another old song, “IT WON'T BE LONG”, which features each member of the group. This group's ability to do previously recorded material, while putting a fresh spin on them and performing them extremely well is one of their strong points. One of the few new songs found on here is the insightful, “THE CROSS SPEAKS LOUDER”.
“THE GROUND IS LEVEL” featuring baritone, Keith Rogers, has always been one of my favorite songs written by Mark Lanier, and the guys do a great job reviving this seldom-heard song. The title song, “THIS HEAVENLY HIGHWAY” was written by a wonderful writer named Debra Shepherd and is a very good song as well.
Perfected by George Younce about 10 years ago, “I THIRST” featuring Brad Meeks, is a good inclusion and the group does a fine job before moving on to the medium tempo, “WHILE AGES ROLL ON ”. Closing out the recording is a well-done arrangement of the oldie-goldie, “WELL DONE MY CHILD”.
These guys have a tough sound. It's hard to beat a young group that sounds as great as these guys do. There isn't a bad singer in the group and each man tackles their solos like pros and collectively they have a rich sound. They don't over-sing, and I like that a lot. Even though their strong point on this recording seems to be reviving past recorded songs and doing them exceedingly well, it would be cool to hear them tackle a few more new ones. Plus, a bit more effort into the cover graphics would have been good too. Exciting vocals, solid songs and more than adequate music tracks, all combine to make this a great recording. If this group sounds as good in concert as they do here, then they could sing right along side the likes of the Kingsmen, Gold City, Signature Sound Quartet, Dove Brothers Quartet and others and not miss a beat!
Personal Favs: WHAT A MEETING; OLD FASHIONED REMEDY; JESUS IS HERE; THEY SHALL WALK WITH ME IN WHITE; IT WON'T BE LONG; THE GROUND IS LEVEL
Reader Comments
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We have heard and followed this group for sometime. They are definitely a dynamic group!! If you have not heard them, you are really missing Gospel music at its best. All of them really put their hearts in each song they sing.
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I would like to say that I don't know of anyone that I would rather here sing than the Kindred Spirit.They are all good Christian men.I thank God for the ones who still have the anointing to go along with the singing. I believe that they really know this man call Jesus.You men keep up the good work.
s -
We follow Southern Gospel Singing all the time and our home is filled with CD's & video's. Kindred Spirit is an all-time favorite and we personally know Keith Rogers, the baritone, who is a fine Christian gentleman. If you haven't heard them, you need to get their schedule and make it a point to attend one of their concerts. You won't be disappointed.
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I have heard this recording and I am very impressed with their style of singing and close-knit harmonies. I enjoy hearing a lot of the older campmeeting songs like "Well Done My Child" and "What A Meeting". I would put these guys up there along with any of the Great Quartets of Our time. Very professional and clean cut, Christian guys with a heart for ministry and winning lost souls to God. If they are ever in your area, You should pack up and go see them. YOU will not be dissappointed!!!!!!!!!
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If you ever have the chance to attend a Kindred Spirit concert...GO! YOU WILL BE BLESSED! There's no better up and coming quartet than these guys. I became familiar w/Kindred Spirit about a year ago and they are the same on and off the stage. They are quality men who are extremly dedicated to their ministry calling. Their stage presence is much better than alot of full time groups performing today. I can't wait to see their name on the top 40 chart!
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I have known these men for a long time, and time and time again they continue to put out quality recordings, and stay true to the ultimate goal. The sound these guys have and the way the message is communicated from the platform, is second to none. The group is managed extermely well and every man is a true team player. Invite them to your church or other function and you won't be dissapointed.
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Darian,
Wade said that you have a website but he didn't know how it was listed. This is the only website we thought that we could reach you. He received the cds's. Thanks. The above is my e-mail address so if you can let us know yours, it would be appreciated.
Teresa & Wade -
Thanks everyone for the great reviews and comments. We love you all. God Bless and come see us again soon!
Kendall -
Good Gospel music is hard to find. - "GREAT" Gospel music is exceedingly rare! - These four young men are singing "GREAT" Gospel music. - If you want to witness a Gospel Quartet that will present the love of Jesus in their stage performance and through their vocal presentation then you MUST go to a Kindred Spirit concert. - I highly recommend this group and I shall attend every concert that comes within 100 miles of my home. - May the Lord hold them in the palm of His hand.
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What talent! I know these men. I have both heard and watched them over the years. There are no finer men around. Likewise, their talent and love for our Savior are hard to find! If you have not had them in your church, fair, school, arena,... you are missing out on a wonderful, God-focused, worshipful experience! Your spirit (and the hairs on your neck) will be lifted!
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