The Flint Cavaliers
Havin’ Church
Low Rush Music/Grammercy Records (2013)
www.lowrush.com
The Flint Cavaliers, known by their fans as the Cavs, have been around for many years.
The Stellar and Soul Train Award nominees from Flint, Michigan—a stalwart quartet town—waxed at least one disc for Hoyt Sullivan’s Su-Ann imprint back in the 1970s. Havin’ Church, the group’s latest offering, demonstrates their faithfulness to the traditional style that brought them through.
Whether delivering drive tempo songs, slow burners, or selections that evoke ‘70s sweet soul, the group stays grounded in the practical wisdom of the old church. The title track, a warning to those who do not take worship seriously, is a clever spin on that wisdom, but it is designed to make listeners chuckle rather than bristle in indignation. “Your body’s in church but your mind’s on the other side of town,” the Cavs sing, rolling their eyes at those who are “shaking and faking” in church on Sunday. “Don’t let the devil steal your praise,” they conclude.
Like “Havin’ Church,” “Same God,” the current single, is a vigorously rendered church wrecker. Tracks such as “Praise Him” and “Willing to Run” feature tight, high soul harmonies a la the Violinaires. Marcus Peterson sounds like Russell Thompkins Jr. of the Stylistics in his falsetto lead work. “Going Up Yonder” is a funky quartet take on the Hawkins Family classic, while the bonus track, “Give Me Strength,” is a bluesy gospel prayer.
Although too many quartet projects suffer from production flaws these days, Havin’ Church is not one of them. Cavs members Minister Lonnie Clark and Craig L. Johnson do a fine job blending the music and the voices in proper proportion.
Four of Five Stars
Picks: “Same God,” “Havin’ Church.”
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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