Dr. E. LaQuint Weaver II & the Hallelujah SingersThankful
Burnin’ Fiyah Records (2013)
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
Dr. E. LaQuint Weaver II and the Hallelujah Singers define their sound as “jazzy traditional gospel with a modern day twist.” That sums up their latest release, Thankful, with a capital T.
The Detroit ensemble’s first project since 2007’s A New Level!…Live in Birmingham, AL (Sound of Gospel), Thankfulfinds the group once again in live performance, but closer to home this time, at the New Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Ferndale, Michigan.
The Hallelujah Singers—really a small choir—possess that O’Landa Draper-esque trebly full-throatedness, a sonic explosion of volume and polyrhythmic technique. They display this most emphatically on the openers, “Takin’ Care of Me” and “What a Mighty God,” while singing the praise song and title track with a coquettish wink in their voices.
Songs such as “I Made a Vow,” “No Not One,” and “Running” refashion lyrics and motives from the spiritual, hymn, and gospel catalogs, respectively. “Work Yo’ Faith,” the rousing hand-clapper, takes for granted that listeners are keeping the faith and compels them to “work” their faith to remain steadfast and immovable.
The jazziness referenced above, which exudes the sophisticated arrangements of fellow Detroiters Thomas Whitfield and Beverly Glenn, is prominent on “Where Could I Go,” courtesy of soloist Rosa Warner’s vocal turns—she sells the song—and the impressive piano improvisation by the album’s musical director, Min. Dexter L. Smith. The up-tempo tongue twister “Runnin’” sounds like a Golden Gate Quartet jubilee sung to a Chick Corea arrangement.
Thankfulconcludes with a seven-plus minute medley of Christmas carols that run the gamut from small combo jazz to foot-stomping gospel. Vocal cameos are by Deanna Ransom and Evangelist Lillian Lloyd, who preaches a fiery message as the Hallelujah Singers riff on “Joy to the World.”
Groups such as Dr. E. LaQuint Weaver II and the Hallelujah Singers keep alive the tradition of more than two generations of innovative gospel choirs and choirmasters from the Motor City.
Four of Five Stars
Picks: “Where Could I Go,” “Work Yo’ Faith.”
5s Comments
Leave A Comment
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.
Visit Today : 1531
This Month : 32726
As a member of the Dr. E. LaQuint, II & the Hallelujah Singers. I say THANK YOU for such a wonderful review of the CD. It is most humbling and reassuring that we are on God’s path and the journey has JUST begun.
As a member of the Dr. E. LaQuint Weaver, II & the Hallelujah Singers, THANK YOU for such a wonderful review of our latest project. It is most humbling and reassuring that we are on the right path…God’s path for us. Finally, Doc and his work are being acknowledged in a way that is long overdue….and the journey’s NOT over. Yayayay!!!
This is a true blessing to our ministry. Truly overdue and much appreciated. Im looking firward to what Dr. Weaver has next for the Hallelujah Singers. Truly a blessing to read good reviews about hard work that u put in.
IT IS REFRISHING TO READ A WELL WRITTEN REVIEW OF THANKFULL. AS A MEMBER OF THE DETROIT GOSPEL COMMUNITY I APPRECIATE YOUR POSITIVE COMMENTS CONCERNING THIS PROJECT
Thanks so much for this wonderful review. And please continue to keep us in prayer.
Dr. E. LaQuint Weaver II