TBGB Single Pick of the Week: April 25, 2005

“Somewhere Listening” The Soul Seekers GospoCentric/Zomba Gospel 2005

The latest quartet to take the name The Soul Seekers is a group of young men whose classic style belies their age. Although organized less than five years ago by a cadre of pastors’ sons, the Soul Seekers sound as if they have traversed the gospel highway for many decades. This seems surprising until you learn that the ensemble actually came together during an impromptu tribute performance celebrating Golden Age quartets. Clearly, in their live recording of “Somewhere Listening” from their forthcoming CD, the Soul Seekers continue to honor their gospel music roots while maintaining a fresh style.

The Soul Seekers are lead vocalist Teddy Campbell; bass guitarist and vocalist Warryn Campbell; vocalist and founder Nisan Stewart; John “Jubu” Smith on guitar and vocals; vocalist Gerald Haddon; Charlie Bereal, who also plays guitar; Craig Brockman on organ; and drummer Eric Seats.

Channeling the excitement of legendary artists such as the Mighty Clouds of Joy, the Five Blind Boys, and the Sensational Nightingales, the Soul Seekers trade leads and vamp in front of an incessantly powerful quartet beat on “Somewhere Listening”. The song will especially please gospel radio listeners in the South, but also anyone who enjoys the classic gospel quartet sound, no matter where they live on the planet.