“Thank You” Sonny Brown Independent (release date: January 3, 2022) By Robert M. Marovich If Sonny Brown’s “Thank You” has a traditional gospel quartet vibe, it’s because Brown has spent part of his career in the quartet field, notably with the Fantastic Violinaires and the Swanee Quintet. In exhalations of gutsy singing, shouting, and at least one good ol’ gospel chuckle, Brown offers effusive praise to God one moment and the next instructs listeners who have faced trials to raise their voices in gratitude. “But didn’t my God step in,” Brown asks, “and didn’t he make a way?” He is ...

“Jesus Cares”Leporia LoganGodSent Music Group (2021)www.iamhollywoodlogan.com By Robert M. Marovich As “Hollywood” Logan, Leporia Logan was a member of the world-famous Drifters, entertaining audiences with classic vocal harmony renditions of “Under the Boardwalk,” “Up on the Roof,” and “Stand By Me.” Prior to that, however, Logan was a gospel singer and musician. He traveled with Howard “Slim” Hunt and the Supreme Angels, Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites, and the Fantastic Violinaires, the latter alongside legendary lead singer Robert Blair. Logan returns to his gospel—and specifically gospel quartet—roots on “Jesus Cares.” With a gruff voice that evokes Blair as well as ...

“Satisfied” The Fantastic Violinaires Release date: June 30, 2015 Available from digital music stores Like several professional gospel quartets that organized during or before gospel’s golden age, the Fantastic Violinaires are still very much in the soul-saving business. Recharged with new personnel, the quartet founded in Detroit in 1952 maintains its trademark treble harmonies that inspire quartets even today.  And if “Satisfied” is any indication, the group still has plenty of drive in its system. The new single, which piles plaudits upon the Most High for graces bestowed, is vintage Violinaires, complete with piercing, punctuating harmonies, call and response, gritty ...