Mighty Men of Faith

Do you remember the brilliant uptempo cut "Are You Ready" by the Mighty Clouds Of Joy back in 1996? Well, if you like that then I'm sure some cuts on here will appeal to your taste. I'm no fan of non-secular material due to it's nature but it doesn't stop me appreciating the strong music and vocals that stand as a musical ministry. These guys have a great, great connection musically and vocally and they approach their music with talent and above all else real conviction. These guys have only been singing together since 2009 where they first performed together at AME Palo Alto's Zion Church for their Men's Celebration day. Honestly, you would think that these chaps had been a unit for decades, not months!!! The set features a few styles that mainly rely on soulful inspirational flavours but there is the odd rap and even an attempt at Reggae! Not this scribes cup of Earl Grey and possibly not yours but it still shows how talented and versatile these fellas are.

The slap bass and freaky keys merge with a trapping beat and freaky keys to make a slammin' uptempo praise cut called "I Feel Satisfied". The vocalist here almost has a Billy Paul feel, and the backing vocals are superb. This song is positive, uplifting and one can tell that their faith means a lot to them and it propels these guys in every way. You will be sure to like this if not love it, and I can easily say the same over the EXCELLENT "Because He Loves Me" which, incidentally, comes in two versions, both of which are superb. The first version is a smoother, more relaxed version with a great spoken intro from The Rev Ed Harris. This sort of song would not be out of place on a Ben Tankard album. My favourite version is to be found at the end of the CD and although without the spoken word, it is a classy affair that defies you not to like it. Even as a screaming Heathen such as myself cannot fail to love this song! The Ronnie McNeir-like "Do You Know Who You Are" is also very impressive, and the harmonies from the guys, especially their smooth Tenors Malvin Scott and Vales Crossley are especially worthy of a mention. This is a worthy release and is so recommended for the above songs!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe - Soulchoonz Y2K Album reviews

Reviewed by Keren Perrott

Hearing this album for the first time you would be forgiven for assuming that this California-based foursome have a hefty back catalogue. In what has to be one of the smoothest gospel debuts released in 2010, 'Because He Loves Me' confidently straddles '70s funk, traditional gospel and R&B, and for this it is guaranteed broad listener appeal. Perfectly harmonized vocals are set to a funky foot-tapping bass on "I'm Satisfied" and even the mid-track rap succeeds in sounding okay where so many similar efforts in contemporary gospel music fail spectacularly. Other uptempo tracks such as "Do You Know Who You Are" and "Use Me Lord" have a contemporary feel but traditionalists will prefer the fast and furious keyboard behind "Send Me I'll Go" and "Praise Him", and the more bluesy numbers like "He Made A Way". Without the album's Gospel-centred lyrics you might imagine you were listening to an old R&B chart collection but this funky foursome have a passion for music ministry. Psalm 37 is the basis for "Never Seen The Righteous Forsaken", co-written by one of the Mighty Men and unique in its Caribbean-flavoured rhythm and instrumentals. The slower paced title track is exquisitely constructed - imagine early Earth, Wind & Fire, add uncompromising praise and worship lyrics, and you will be somewhere close to the end result. - Cross Rhythms

The talented gentlemen in Mighty Men of Faith have been together for less than two years, but with their incredible blending and awesome energy one would assume they have been singing as a group for decades. Californians Wendell Basey, William (Pedie) Carswell, Reverend Ed Harris, and Malvin Scott have delivered an excellent debut album that captures the heart and soul of the divine message they are joyfully singing about.

Because He Loves Me is not a typical raise the roof, foot-stomping gospel album. Many different influences, including an ample helping of R&B, truly showcase the group’s vocal prowess. The title track opens with Harris speaking in his velvety baritone above lush strings, reminiscent of a Boyz II Men ballad. Taking it back a generation, the funk bass in “I’m Satisfied” has more of an Earth, Wind and Fire groove. Despite the song style, each delivery is casual and relaxed, including Harris’ free styling rap break that is positively old school, like Run DMC.

Devoid of rapping, the easy, mid-tempo “Use Me Lord” inhibits the same soulful vibe. This tune was written by another talented Las Vegas musician, Woody Woods. He composes and plays all the instruments on the track himself, but knows to let the vocalists shine, most notably in the clean vocal break at the end. Woods showcases the same vocal effect at the end of the romping “Do You Know Who You Are.” His songs utilize a wide array of decent sounding keyboard patches including heavily synthesized brass in this number. Another fabulous Woods composition is “Are You Thirsty.” The chord choice at the end of the chorus is creative and stands out. The lead vocals give an excellent performance that are engaging and exhibit powerful control over the falsetto passages. “Send Me I’ll Go” also features admirable lead vocals, full of intense high-octane passion. Unfortunately, while cutting loose the singer squeaks out a high note that is overtly out of place and devoid of masculinity.

Oliver Goodloe composed the truest straight up gospel blues song on the album entitled, “He Made a Way.” After a quiet brief organ introduction, the singer jumps right in with his enthusiastic call and response with the background chorus. Each word is deliberately sung and every downbeat precise to add extra emphasis. The excitement continues to build as the chorus chants “Yes He Will!” causing the unannounced fade out to seem premature. For a change of pace, Goodloe and Harris offer a reggae flavored tune with “Never Seen the Righteous Forsaken.” The essence of the islands is captured from the opening steel drum segment to the bohemian chorus, “No beg for bread.” As is typical of reggae, the melody is happy and upbeat, and the multiple chord modulations inserted as the song progresses keeps the repetitive nature of the song from becoming monotonous. The fade out in this number is more tasteful.

The most inspiring piece on Because He Loves Me is the Goodloe penned “We Will Praise Him.” Everything about this song is fantastic from the quick synthesizer riff in the opening under the forceful spoken word to the soloist in the second verse who fights hard to not crack on his top notes and pulls it off with intense vigor. The motivating lyrics and arousing soulful melodies possess similar vitality to Seal’s fourth studio album. The entire package from vocals to instruments to music to message culminates in a dynamic display of spirit-driven virtuosity.

Mighty Men of Faith are an immensely enjoyable ensemble to listen to. Not only is their message moving, but their extraordinary vocals are equally inspiring.

Review by Kelly O’Neil
Rating: 5 stars (out of 5) - Review You

A just released soulful, religious CD titled “Because He Loves Me” is attracting a groundswell of attention and popularity for its Northern California creators, the Mighty Men of Faith. - Free Press