CD Reviews

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I have been a huge fan of the Prophets for many years. Their unique sound set them apart from the other great quartets of the 1950’s and ‘60’s. As I set here to write this column, I have to remind myself that those recordings that I love so much are over forty years old and this new lineup, that founding member, Ed Hill, has put together, is very different vocally than the earlier. Comparisons are hard not to make but great quartet singing is great quartet singing, and these guys meet the challenge.

The Prophets were smart to pick an old classic to kick the project off with. We old school guys would have been disappointed without it. “I Can Call Jesus Anytime” is done with a driving beat and makes the perfect opener. This project heavily features new lead singer, Paul Jackson, not only vocally but showcases his skills as a songwriter as well. “I Just Call It Home” is a beautiful power ballad featuring the big voice of Paul Jackson and co-written by Daniel Mount. Paul has a heavier tone than former Prophet’s lead singers like Jay Berry or Roy McNeil, giving the group a new and fresh sound. This performance is strong and powerful.

“One Thing the Father Forgets” picks the tempo back up and features the great bass singing of Mike Allen. We’ve become familiar with Mike’s abilities through the Gaither Video Series and he was a perfect choice for this group. Paul Jackson is featured once again on the Patriotic ballad, “Because They Gave”. Paul has a tear in his voice that puts me in mind of Donnie Sumner during his years with the Stamps Quartet.

The biggest change in the Prophets’ sound is at the tenor position. “Big” Lew Garrison, the original tenor for the group, was famous for more of a head tone or falsetto style of singing, making their sound high and thin. With the addition of Bill Baize at the tenor position, they now have a more powerful and full sound. I’ve felt for years that Bill Baize is one of the top five tenors in Gospel Music history and it’s great to hear him in a group setting again. He does a great job on the melodic ballad, “How I Want You to Know”. Bill is an opera trained tenor with power to burn yet he sings with a great deal of feeling in his voice.

The title song of the album, “I’ll Follow”, was co-written by Paul Jackson and producer, Johnny Minick. This song has a more contemporary pop sound and has some interesting chord progressions and harmonies. “Jesus Wept” features Ed Hill on the lead vocals. Ed Hill is one of the most respected gentlemen in Gospel Music both as a singer and quartet road manager. Not only is he responsible for the success of the Prophets, past and present, but he was a huge part of the rise to the top of the industry of the Singing Americans. He also had successful stints with the Statesmen, the Stamps Qt. and the Masters Five. He is still one of the smoothest baritone singers ever.

“Golden Streets” is a beautiful ballad that has a Gatlin Brothers sound to it. The harmonies are very pretty and the chord flow of this song is great. Paul does an outstanding job on this one. The Prophets have included a great Lari Goss song, “Love Like the Sun”. This lends variety to the project with an early 1960’s pop style.

“Mercy” is a power ballad that features some great singing from Paul Jackson. This song is heavily orchestrated and features backup vocals along with the group. This performance by Paul reminds me of some of Rusty Goodman’s great power ballads. That’s walking in tall cotton as we used to say down South but Paul Jackson is up to the challenge. This song is a highlight of the album.

Well, I still would have liked to have heard a few more of the old Prophets songs but I am not the least bit disappointed in this project. This is a great quartet with a sound all their own. I do not want to forget the recent addition of Eddie Crook at the piano position. Eddie is one of the all time great keyboard men in our industry. A new era is here for this group and I expect great things from these guys. The Prophets are definitely back.

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