Highly Pha’vord – He’s In Control

Highly Pha’vord

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog

On their 2009 EP, He’s In Control, Highly Pha’vord of St. Louis sounds like a cross between a traditional female quartet and the Davis Sisters, particularly on the drive tempo opener, “Tell It To Jesus.”  To a thumping bass and rapid-fire guitar licks, the lead singer shouts encouragement like Baby Sis Davis while the other four ladies respond in harmonic assent.

“Help Me Praise the Lord” is another fine track.  To a ‘70s soul arrangement that I doubt is consciously retro, the ladies embellish their lyrics of praise with an acrostic on “help me.” “I’m Yours” interpolates a smidgen of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” in one of its verses.

Call me jaded, but I tend to approach self-produced EPs with some trepidation.  I needn’t have on this one.  The smooth production, dynamic hard-singing, tuneful harmonies, and simple but effective musicianship make He’s In Control a diamond in the rough.

I’ve heard Highly Pha’vord live and they are every bit the aisle-walking, shout-inducing gospel group the EP portrays them to be.  This is “Great God Almighty” quartet singing, old school style.  Highly Pha’vord is deserving of a full-length album with national distribution.

Pick: “Tell it to Jesus.”