The Clark Brothers – It’s In Your Hands

The Clark Brothers

CE Records (2011)

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

If the Clark Brothers perform as many drive-tempo songs at their programs as they included on their album, It’s In Your Hands, fans must leave their performances feeling a pound or two lighter from all the dancing, hand clapping, and shouting.

Raised in Tuskegee, Alabama, the Clark Brothers (no relation to Detroit’s Clark Sisters) are a traditional-leaning quartet.  Their release on the CE (Clark Entertainment) label, It’s In Your Hands, includes four propulsive selections nestled among other meaty cuts.  Hearing “He’s Alright,” “Strengthens Me,” “Change In Me,” and the closer, “That’s Alright,” one can imagine legions of church sisters cutting shapes in the aisles. 

In addition to providing steady doses of hand clap opportunities, the Clark Brothers also eke every ounce of utility from their songs by stretching them out like a jam band.  For example, the vamp of the bracing “Mount Calvary” simulates Jesus’ walk up the hill on Good Friday.

As is customary for quartets, the lyrics are packed with straightforward and uncomplicated religious wisdom and soothing words of encouragement.  During “Strengthens Me,” lead vocalist Christopher Clark puts the promises of prosperity theology in their rightful place in the hierarchy of human needs by shouting, “I may not have a fancy car, but I’ve got my strength.”  On “That’s Alright,” Minister Joseph Johnson of the Echoaires of Memphis and Pastor Anthony Clark make the inevitable journey to Glory so appealing that one is nearly dying to pack bags.

Some members of the group handle the lead vocal spotlight better than others, but put them all together with the music and the beat and It’s In Your Hands becomes a quartet program in a jewel box.

Picks: “It’s Alright,” “Change In Me.”