SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
RIGHT NOW
GOLD CITY
LABEL: NEW HAVEN RECORDS
PRODUCER: GARRY JONES, MICHAEL SYKES, DANIEL RILEY
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 25, 2024
GROUP MEMBERS: DANIEL RILEY (BARITONE), CHRIS JENKINS (TENOR), JOSH FEEMSTER (LEAD), AND JEFF CHAPMAN (BASS)
SONG LIST:
- Right Now (Garry Jones)
- South Of Heaven (Val Dacus, Wayne Haun, Donna King)
- Rise Up (Garry Jones)
- Where Your Heart Is (Garry Jones)
- When It’s Gone For Good (Jason Cox, Kristi Fitzwater, Kenna Turner West)
- In The Middle (Hunter Leath, Nathan Woodard)
- Stepping Out, Stepping In (Garry Jones)
- Love Like This (Ronnie Hinson)
- Help Is On The Way (Squire Parsons)
- The Healer’s Hands (Jim Brady, Tony Wood, Michael Farren)
- Gettin’ Up, Goin’ With Jesus (Garry Jones)
BREAKDOWN:
Gold City has experienced some instability over the last several years. The group has seen several turnovers in personnel. I can confidently say that this instability is well and far behind them. Daniel Riley (owner and longtime baritone) has put together one of the strongest lineups to ever come along in my opinion. Joining Riley are former Kingsmen tenor Chris Jenkins, former Mercy’s Mark lead and Legacy Five vocalist Josh Feemster and former longtime Kingdom Heirs bass singer Jeff Chapman. This powerhouse lineup has already won over longtime fans with their incredible ability to take on the classic Gold City hits. Right Now, the much anticipated new project, is sure to delight listeners with a great mix of that classic Gold City style and the more modern Southern Gospel feel. The quartet teams with beloved producer Garry Jones, who produced several records for the group in the 1980s and 1990s including the landmark project Pillars Of Faith. Jones also served as the group’s pianist for over a decade. This project is another stellar addition to his producing discography.
This incredible album opens with the jazzy, horn-led title track “Right Now.” Garry Jones penned the lyrics to this great song that talks about fellowship and the hope found in Christ. In Him, you will find Love without judgment or fear. Daniel Riley takes the lead on the incredibly emotional, country style ballad “South Of Heaven.” This powerful track reflects on the loss of a loved one and letting them know we are doing fine down here south of Heaven. Jeff Chapman and Josh Feemster shine on the up-tempo Garry Jones penned tune “Rise Up.” This fun energy filled track tells of the healing of the lame man and reminds us that our healing is in Christ. “Where Your Heart Is” is a beautiful ballad, featuring Chris Jenkins, that reminds us of Christ’s faithfulness. You will find no greater friend than He is. He knows where your heart is and is with you always. Daniel Riley takes the lead on the second single of the album “When It’s Gone For Good.” This incredible song boldly proclaims: When your sin is cast into the sea of forgetfulness, it is gone for good. It’s as good as gone when it’s gone for good! You can live in freedom from the guilt of your sin. Confess to Him and He will wash you clean! “In The Middle,” featuring Josh Feemster, is a powerful song that tells the story of Jesus’ Birth, Sacrifice, and Resurrection. He came to bring Hope and Truth to the world. In the middle of every moment, He knows what you are going through. He is holding onto you! “Stepping Out, Stepping In” is a fun, energy-filled, classic GC style tune that simply says: Step out in faith and trust the Lord! No wave of fear can rise to push me under because I’m walking with Jesus. Jeff Chapman delivers a smooth and emotion-filled vocal on the tender ballad “Love Like This.” This incredible song simply says: There is no greater Love than the Love we find in Christ. Nowhere on Earth can love like this be found. This is now one of my all-time favorite Jeff Chapman features. “Help Is One The Way” is a stellar refresh of the GC classic written by Squire Parsons. This fun, groovy tune is already a fan favorite. “The Healer’s Hands” is a powerful ballad featuring Josh Feemster and encourages listeners to give their burdens to Jesus. His Grace will make you whole. Let Him touch your scars. Now is the time to put it all in the Healer’s Hands! Watch what He will do! This incredible album closes with the fun, up-tempo “Gettin’ Up, Goin’ With Jesus.” This groovy tune complete with backing choir simply says: I will follow Christ where He leads! I’m going with Jesus everyday!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THIS PROJECT WAS EASILY ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED OF THIS YEAR. IT MET AND EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS. GOD HAS TRULY BLESSED THIS GROUP AND IS DOING GREAT WORK IN THEM. THIS PROJECT IS SURE TO BE HIT WITH LONGTIME FANS AND NEWER FANS ALIKE. RIGHT NOW IS YET ANOTHER LANDMARK PROJECT FOR THE GROUP IN MY OPINION. INCREDIBLE SONGS, MASTERFUL VOCALS, AND TOP NOTCH PRODUCTION AND MUSICIANSHIP. HIGHLIGHTS: “LOVE LIKE THIS,” “RISE UP,” “SOUTH OF HEAVEN,” “IN THE MIDDLE,” “HELP IS ON THE WAY,” “WHEN IT’S GONE FOR GOOD,” AND “STEPPING OUT, STEPPING IN.”
5 OUT 5 STARS!
ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS OF THE YEAR!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.goldcityministries.com
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