Swanee Quintet – The Legacy Continues – Phase II

Swanee Quintet
The Legacy Continues – Phase II
Ophir Records (release date: October 1, 2013)
www.swaneequintet.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog

“Georgia” (aka “Georgia On My Mind”), the final selection on the Swanee Quintet’s new album, The Legacy Continues – Phase II, is a tribute to the quartet’s home state, sung in the relaxed manner that Ray Charles imbued on the song in 1960.

The nine selections prior to “Georgia,” however, are of the sweat-stained, earthy gospel quartet vibe that the Swanee Quintet has produced for nearly seventy years.  The personnel has changed over the years, but the group has maintained its fealty to Georgia and to the quartet tradition.

What’s especially significant about this album is that, as of this writing, it sits at number 20 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums list.  Although once the superstars of the gospel highway, quartets have become, albeit undeservedly, the red-haired stepchildren of gospel music.  Thus, it has been some time since a gospel quartet, and especially one with the longevity of the Swanees, nudged its way onto this list.

It’s no surprise why the album made the list.  It is no-nonsense quartet fare, with a blend of new songs and new arrangements of traditional quartet classics, such as “Farther Along” and “Touch the Hem of His Garment.”  Member Koby Weaver reprises “Jesus is a Rock,” once done by the Swanee’s versatile lead, “Little” Johnny Jones.

“Strong Determination” is the hardest driving selection; the rest of the songs are slower but no less passionately sung.  The bluesy “Farther Along” ekes as much utility as it can from that surefire way to rouse a congregation: the 12/8 “rocking chair” or “gospel waltz” tempo.  Talented producer Ray Braswell Jr. balances the voices and music masterfully so neither overpowers the other.

Time will tell whether the ascension of The Legacy Continues – Phase II is an anomaly or a sign that the lights are back on in the quartet house.  Regardless, the Swanee Quintet has delivered a CD with lyrical mother wit and musical meatiness.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “Strong Determination,” “Georgia.”