Randall Hamm Reviews It: The Inspirations and Justified Quartet
Written by Staff on July 11, 2019 – 7:20 pm -
The Inspirations tell stories of God’s presence on Right Where He Is
This month, those inspiring Inspirations are back from the mountains with a new release and an up-and-coming regional group will soon be known nationally with their latest release. Justified Quartet from Akron, Michigan wants you to “Take A Stand” and request it at your local gospel station.
As always, if you enjoy the reviews, pick up this music, or download it, wherever you get good gospel music.
Please send your latest releases for review to Randall Hamm, c/o Q-100 WFLQ-FM, P.O. Box 100, French Lick, Ind., 47432
Randall Hamm
Now…Let the Reviews begin
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The Inspirations have extended their relationship with Horizon Records
nspirations
“Right Where He Is”
Producer: Jeff Collins
2019 Horizon records
Songs: “He’s Coming Again” (Matthew Browder BMI); “There’ll Never Be A Giant” (Roland Kesterson BMI); “Lord I Want To Be A Blessing” (Squire Parsons BMI); “Wouldn’t Change The End” (Dixie Phillips-Mark Mathes BMI); “She Gets Another Prayer Through Again” (Steve Moss BMI); “His Hand Reached Further Down” (Don Johnson BMI); “Obey The Spirit of The Lord” (Joyce Croft-Colbert Croft BMI); “That’s Right Where He’ll Be” (Rebecca J Peck-Megan Sorelle Mulnix BMI); “The End of Time Is Near” (William Carter BMI); “Judas Kissed The Door” (Sandy Knight BMI)
This is now the second album with Archie Watkins at the helm of ownership of the group. As you know, Martin Cook retired and sold all interest and ownership of the group to Archie, to lead the Inspirations and continue their brand of gospel music. This album brings Roland Kesterson to the front as their new lead singer, as Matt Dibler retired, and Wyatt Austin, former bass with the Chuckwagon Gang, was brought on as utility musician and occasional bass singer.
This album is a marked improvement, over “The One In the Water,” the blend is tighter and the musical selection is a better choice as well. From top to bottom, this lineup of the Inspirations has struck pay dirt with this project. “He’s Coming Again” leads off the project with the traditional Inspiration sound we’ve all come to know and love, featuring Roland on lead. Eddie Dietz gets the lead on a Squire Parsons tune “Lord I Want To Be A Blessing” and shines as always. One of my favorites that I hope will be pulled as a single, “His Hand Reached Further Down,” features Archie. In his earlier days, he could not have sung this as he sings here. Archie’s voice has aged like a fine wine and with a little age, he sings this to perfection, and I’m thankful he reached further down for me.
The current single climbing the charts is “That’s Right Where He’ll Be.” From the pen of Rebecca J Peck, no matter where we are that’s “Where He’ll Be.” You’ll instantly recognize the single, as it has one of the catchiest intros on radio today. But my true favorite is a re-recording of “The End Of Time Is Near.” This classic Inspirations’ song, first recorded in 1969, sparkles as two of the current Inspirations were on this particular cut, Archie and Eddie. In 50 years the message of this song is even clearer and truer today. This is worthy as well of being a single.
Overall, the Inspirations and all those involved have crafted a CD that has not left my player for a while. Great songs, the classic Inspiration sound, and some great studio musicians make for an album that is a pure delight. Visit the Inspirations at https://www.facebook.com/theinspirations/ and get a copy of “Right Where He Is” wherever and however you get good gospel music.
Strongest Songs: “Right Where He’ll Be,” “His Hand Reached Further Down,” “The End of Time Is Near,” “Obey the Spirit Of The Lord”
Justified Quartet
Justified Quartet
“Take A Stand”
Producer: Bob Caldwell
2019 Independent
Songs: “Take A Stand” (Scott Inman-Daryl Williams); “Come, Lord Jesus” (Dianne Wilkinson); “Don’t Be Caught Dead Without Jesus” (Mike Payne-Vic Clay); “We’ve Got Our Ways” (Rebecca Peck-David Jenkins); “It Should Have Rained” (Dianne Wilkinson-Rusty Golden); “We’re In The Same Boat” (Rebecca Peck-Kenna Turner West); “Heaven Is The Place Where Dreams Come True” (Dianne Wilkinson-Janice Crow); “Can’t Wait To Hear The Sound” (Carl Ledford); “It Took A Lamb” (Geron Davis); “I Still Cling To The Old Rugged Cross” (Marty Funderburk-Buddy Mullins)
For the past six years, this group has been Michigan’s pride and joy. Based out of Akron, Mich., Justified is about to no longer be Michigan’s secret. Lead, Carl Ledford; baritone, Mark Jacoby; tenor, Dave Potts and bass, Tim Caldwell, have crafted a album that is pure joy and straight ahead Southern gospel. The album produced by Bob Caldwell, who you may remember as the bass singer with Won By One, Brian Free and Assurance, and Kingdom Heirs, has brought the best out of Justified. By the way, Tim Caldwell is Bob’s brother. “Take A Stand” leads off this project, and in this day and age we must “Take A Stand.” This is their current single and could be the group’s first national Top 20.
Justified sings the fire out of “Come Lord Jesus,” the first of three Dianne Wilkinson songs on the album. “It Should Have Rained,” penned by Dianne, is an absolute gem that deserves a possible single release. Featuring their tenor, this was formerly recorded by the Kingsmen, but changing the lead to tenor, markedly changes the song and makes it more powerful. Closing out the CD is another lead vocal for tenor Dave Potts on “I Still Cling To The Old Rugged Cross”, a powerful song of where our belief lies. In between “Take A Stand” and “I Still Cling,” is one of the best new projects of the year. You may not have heard of Justified, but in a few more single releases, you will remember their name. Take a stand and get a copy of this CD. Visit Justified at https://www.facebook.com/JustifiedqtMI/ and get a copy of “Take A Stand” wherever and however you get good gospel music.
The Freemans grace the cover of the May 2019 SGNScoops Magazine
Strongest Songs: “Take A Stand,” “I Still Cling To The Old Rugged Cross,” “It Should Have Rained,” “Don’t be Caught Dead”
Reviews by Randall Hamm
First published by SGNScoops Magazine in May 2019
Read the July SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE
We are excited to have Justified Quartet oining us in Ann Arbor next June 4-6 for Gospel Music Weekend Michigan! Make your plans now to join us for a weekend of great gospel music featuring over 30 artists.
For more nformation, send us an email to events@sgnscoops.com #GMWM2020 #AnnArbor #DestinationAnnArbor
Tags: gospel music, Justified Quartet, Randall Hamm, Randall Reviews It, Southern Gospel Music, The Inspirations
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Fast Five With Justified Quartet by Vonda Armstrong
Written by scoopsnews on July 6, 2019 – 5:17 pm -
Hi Folks,
Let’s get to know Flint, Michigan’s own Justified Quartet. I asked these guys some questions and I think you will be interested to hear their answers.
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1. Tell us how and when Justified Quartet’s ministry began. Justified was formed in 2011. Originally we started as a trio. Tim Caldwell, sings bass now, was singing the baritone part and after about six months as a trio, Mark Jacoby joined us to take over the baritone spot.
2. Do you have a single out to radio? Tell us about the writers and why you chose the song.
“Take a Stand,” written by Scotty Inman and Daryl Williams.
In these times in which we live, the world is a broken place with plenty of people hurting. The Church needs to move to meet the needs of people. However, if we simply go along with the world (in our actions, our dress, our language, etc.,) we are not distinguishing ourselves from what the world has to offer. We will never stand out as something new, fresh, different, real and true. The Church has to “Take a Stand” and hold the line to create the rock and foundation people can count on in this world of sinking sand. The people who are the Church need to be encouraged and challenged to act outside of the Church walls. This song does that.
3. (For Each Member) Who is your favorite singer and why?
Mark Jacoby (Baritone): Glen Payne without a doubt, is my favorite!
His ability to sell a song with passion and excitement and clarity, can not be duplicated. His love for the Lord and people was so evident in every word and note that was sung. I am sure his example is responsible for many not only coming to the Lord, but singing gospel music yet today.
Carl Ledford (Lead): Michael English. I feel he sings with passion and soul and have listened to him since the early 80’s. David Potts (Tenor): Sonya Isaacs. She has a way of delivering lyrics that move a person. Her voice is also crystal clear. Tim Caldwell (Bass): Bob Caldwell. His ability to blend, sing a solo and hit the low stuff was a great asset to any group he sang with. Not to mention, he’s my older brother and produces and arranges all of our music. 4. When you are out, what is the groups favorite eating place? CRACKER BARREL! 5. (For Each Member) Please share your testimony with us.
Carl Ledford (Lead): I grew up in church, started singing when I was six, and got saved when I was 12.
Later in life, I allowed things to pull me away from God and it took a major event to steer me back to where I needed to be. Now, God has blessed me with a wonderful wife, five great adult children and four grandchildren. Also, one of our daughters is a gospel singer with a great ministry. I have loved singing southern gospel all my life because it is all about the cross, the blood, His sacrifice and His great love for us.
Dave Potts ( Tenor): Brought up in a Christian home, always at church had big influence on the way I saw the world and myself. I was convicted early on as a child that even I had to make the decision to follow Jesus
and accept His sacrificial payment for my sins. As a teenager I followed the spirit leading me to surrender to Christ and follow what He would have me do with my life.
I do not know how people who turn from God’s love and mercy even face this life, in essence, without hope. But, knowing Christ and God’s mercy and grace in my own life, gives me the drive to share that hope with others.
Mark Jacoby (Baritone): I was raised in a Christian home, and we were no strangers to church devotions and all that goes with that. Though all of that was instrumental in my introduction to Christ, it was difficult for me to work through the challenges of life.
I was exposed to multiple generations of verbal and physical abuse, which caused a lot of confusion as to what Christianity really was.
At the age of 13, at an altar in a old tabernacle at Junior High Christian music camp not far from my home in Michigan, I finally surrendered myself to the one true Lord.
As tears steamed from my face the night, the Holy Spirit nudged me to experience real grace and opened my eyes and heart to a relationship with my Heavenly Father and unconditional love. From that moment, He made my purpose very clear, to tell all I know about Christ and his love.
Tim Caldwell (Bass): I was brought up in a Christian home and church has been a huge part of my life.
I accepted Christ as my personal Savior at the age of eight. I have faced many challenges along the way and God’s love has never failed me. My love for music started at a very young age. When I was 15, God blessed me with the opportunity to play drums In my first Southern gospel group. From that point, I continued to grow through God’s grace, as a member of other Southern gospel groups. While God uses me to minister to and strengthen others through music, it is I who is ministered to the most and strengthened through Him. I find it a tremendous honor to share the stage with Dave, Carl and Mark.
Thank you, Justified Quartet, for sharing with us.
These guys shared their cd with me and I was blown away. You should check them out at www.justifiedqt.net and don’t miss them at Creekside 2019.
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Tags: Justified Quartet, SGN Scoops Fast Five
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