TBGB Reviews…The Disciples

The Disciples, a quartet formerly known as the Singing Disciples, demonstrates on Change that the major labels don’t have all of the great quartets under contract. Jack Branch, Melvin “Kym” Derr, Paul I. Houston, Dana L. Houston, Robert Evans, and Marvin Johnson of the Disciples give us a superb quartet experience from the first track to the last on Baltimore-based indie PRC.

Change (a title likely inspired in part by the group’s recent name alteration) is bright and soulful, with plenty of quartet joie de vivre. It combines the “little wooden church” gospel sound with the best that today has to offer. For example, the first track, “Let’s Have Church,” is a classic shouting quartet performance, but with enough of a vocoder presence to remind us that we are living in the present day. “Call Jesus” has a fine rap within its old school borders, and “Changed Man” has a distinctive ‘70s feel with its high harmonies and falsetto lead singing.
“Where You Stand” is the loveliest song of the bunch, with plenty of radio potential.

The enjoyable melodies and tales of redemption on Change, as well as the seamless transitions between the 12 tracks, make this a “must have” disc for traditional gospel fans. Those who like gospel that pays respect to the past while celebrating the future will also find this a top-shelf project.

Four of Four Stars