A New Awakening – It’s a Blessing

A New Awakening

Sharp Records (2012)

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Sometimes, plain and simple does it.  

On It’s a Blessing, the quartet A New Awakening from Cheraw, South Carolina combines soulful and strong lead vocals, fine harmonies, talented musicians, and a pleasant production.  The CD reminds you why you enjoy quartet music.

Members are James Polston, Thomas Frazier, Nathaniel Rory, and Edmond Garner.  Among their influences are the Mighty Clouds of Joy and Canton Spirituals.  You can hear smidgens of both famous quartets in A New Awakening’s traditional sound. 

The CD contains a nice balance of slow numbers and drive-tempo songs with decent vamps.  Of the latter, the opening “I’m So Glad” is the standout.  “Thank You for the Rain” is another driver.  Here, the group thanks God for the sunshine and the rain, too, because nothing is promised.  They then transition into a hand-clapping litany of daily problems that are, after all, “nothin’ but rain.”

The best solo performance on the CD is on the title track, where the lead singer soulfully counts his blessings, including those we take for granted, such as “to be alive.”  He remembers everyone who is “dead and gone,” and recognizes that any one of us could be next.  “Don’t Be Too Proud” instructs the listener not to “look down on a sinner, unless you’re trying to pick him up.”

While most of the selections are traditional quartet fare, “With God On Your Side” is a contemporary piece with smooth harmonies and nice guitar work.

Look past the generic cover and lack of liner notes, and even their non-traditional quartet name, and go straight to the music.  These guys are for real.

Picks: “I’m So Glad,” “Thank You for the Rain.”