Sing, Sing in Glory – Mighty Sincere Voices

Mighty Sincere Voices
Sing, Sing in Glory
OverBoard Records 2009
[email protected]

The Mighty Sincere Voices, last featured on TBGB in July 2009, possess that soulful, languorous style of quartet singing that is as distinctly southern as the bluebonnet.

On their full-length project, Sing, Sing in Glory, the quartet from Navasota, Texas, made up mostly of men from the Creeks Family, delivers a handful of selections clearly developed during gospel programs where they can extend a song for maximum audience impact, or as long as time allows. “God Will Take Care” and “Lord, You Been Good” are two fine examples of the Mighty Sincere Voices eking every ounce of soulfulness out of their performance.

A couple of the songs on Sing, Sing in Glory riff a little on the classics. “God Specializes,” with its uniquely quartet arrangement, borrows from the popular Roberta Martin title. Memories of 1920s evangelist Washington Phillips working for the Lord and singing, “I sure do love my job” are conjured up on “Jesus Got Me Hired,” when the quartet answers lead singer Terrence Creeks that they “so do like my job.”

The group’s sweet spot is the drive-tempo song, especially the title track, which has a hint of old-style quartet technique in the locomotive rhythm of its lyrics. “God’s Got a Blessing” and “Jesus Got Me Hired” benefit from the group’s up-tempo treatment and bumping backbeat. These are the types of arrangements that quartets use to finish their programs so the energy and spirit in the room are at their peak as they step down from the stage, waving handkerchiefs in gratitude to God and the appreciative audience.

Sing, Sing in Glory is nicely produced by Willie Elvin and Tyrone Creeks.  They keep the voices front and center so the quartet’s lyrical lessons, testimonies and reflections are clear and declarative.  Still, be sure to check out Tyrone Creeks’ awesome seething Hendrix-inspired lead guitar licks.

Four of Five Stars

gPod Picks: “Sing, Sing in Glory,” “God’s Got a Blessing.”

Reviewed by Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.