A group that should be mentioned in the same breath as Lee Williams, The Jackson Southernaires, and The Mighty Clouds of Joy is The Southern Sons of Memphis. There new CD is titled Another Dimension › Live. The project was recorded at Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Southaven, Mississippi.

There are eleven (11) songs of this project. Bob Holloway and the guys describe themselves as “a traditional singing group.” They get no objections from us. Even without advance notice, once you put any of their CD’s in the player you know immediately that you are listening to one of the best gospel quartet group in the country. They have been ministering through gospel music for more than 20 years. And, we the listeners are the beneficiaries of their years of experience.

The new project features Patrick Hollis, of Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s, on “Going Home To Jesus.” The final song on the CD, “I Need The Lord,” is actually the first song of the concert. Mr. James Chambers can be heard introducing the group at the beginning of this song.

It seems that all the quartet gospel CDs released, thus far, in 2010 are of outstanding quality. And, The Southern Sons of Memphis’ CD is one of the best. By the way, this is another project produced by Ray Braswell of Raymarkable Studios in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Listen to songs from the CD on Gloryland Gospel Quartet Radio in April.

All across this country there are Quartet Gospel fans that go the extra mile for this genre. Seldom are they (understandably) individually recognized. For, no one would expect a group to list their many fans in the liner notes of the CD. And, certainly the audience would be aghast should a group decide to start reading names at the beginning of their ‘set,’ instead of just singing. That being said, it is fitting sometime to just pause and recognize some of the unsung heroes that have meant so much to this genre.

One such person is Ms. Ruth Naomi Robinson Perry. Ms. Perry transitioned to her eternal home on Wednesday, March 24, 2010. There are not many groups on the road today that have not come in contact with Ms. Perry. She would travel far and near to support quartet gospel. She was just as dedicated (if not more) to this genre than any gospel quartet group. She lived in Columbia, South Carolina. However, on any given weekend, groups were not surprise to see her showing up at a concert in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, New York, or just wherever there was a good gospel quartet concert going on.

So, it was no surprise to the quiet observer to see Bishop Darrell McFadden (of Darrell McFadden & The Disciples), Rev. Frank Thompson, Jr. (of The Fantastic Violinaires), Rev. Curtis Young (formerly of The Five Singing Sons of North), and Minster Perry Taft at the Celebration of Life Services on today, Tuesday, March 30, 2010. Others from this genre that participated in the services were Marvin Latimore and Mel Johnson (of The Swan Silverstones), Alen Pringle, Evangelist Loretta Coleman (representing Radio Angels), and Sister Blanche Goodson (SC Gospel Quartet Organization).

Ms. Perry’s contribution to this genre will probably never make it into the history books. Many will never know all that she did for this genre. However, we who knew what she meant to this genre will never forget her work in the vineyard. Ms. Perry will certainly be missed by her legion of grateful fans.

Lady Beatrice Ward and Angelic Voices new CD is titled Gospel Experience. This 11-track project is a very good recording from one of the gems in gospel music. The members of the group are Frank Ward, Edith Randle and Lynn Winzer. This is not the group’s first recording. Their CD titled Hold On was released in 2003. And there are at least two (2) other projects that showcase the exceptional talents of this group, Sister Ward and Angeletts Plus – God Will Deliver and Sister Beatrice Ward – Live In Houston.

The new CD should become a favorite with Radio Angels. Particularly, the song “Running For Jesus.” It was made for radio – not to long, great runs, upbeat tempo and a powerful lead singer.

Although the group is based in Houston, Texas, Lady Ward is actually a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana. So, it was no surprise to see the remix of “Running For Jesus” be flavored “with a taste of Creole.” You just have to get the CD to appreciate the remix.

Lady Wards “lyrics are simple but her message is strong. She is a dynamic and energetic performer and loyal to her calling.” And, with that we agree.

This is a great CD. Listen to songs from the CD on Gloryland Gospel Quartet Radio in April.