SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
STILL JESUS: A SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
THE KINGSMEN
LABEL: HORIZON RECORDS
PRODUCER: ROGER TALLEY
RELEASE DATE: JULY 10, 2026
GROUP MEMBERS: ALAN KENDALL (BARITONE), COLE WATSON (LEAD), BRADY JONES (BASS), RAY DEAN REESE (BASS), HAROLD REED (TENOR)
SONG LIST:
1. I Will Rise Up From My Grave (Jack Toney, Gail Toney)
2. I’ll Live Again (Ila Knight)
3. I Will (Ronnie Hinson)
4. Still Jesus (Michael Farren, Tony Wood, Joseph Habedank)
5. That Very Moment (Squire Parsons)
6. The Ninety And Nine (Elizabeth Clephane, Ira D. Stanley)
7. I Stand Upon The Rock Of Ages (Squire Parsons)
8. When Sunday Morning Dawned (Lee Black, Kenna Turner West)
9. I Forgive Your Sin (Bev Herrema, Rachel McCutcheon)
10. Just In Time (Dottie Rambo)
11. The Son Will Rise (Jack Toney)
12. Freedom (Jason Cox, Kenna Turner West, Leonard Ahlstrom)
13. Is That The Old Ship Of Zion (Conrad Cook) ft. Kingsmen Alumni
BREAKDOWN:
For an impressive 70 years, the mighty Kingsmen Quartet have shared the Gospel through song across the nation. Still Jesus commemorates this incredible milestone by delivering a perfect mix of both classic hits and soon to be favorites.
This incredible album opens with the powerful Kingsmen anthem “I Will Rise Up From My Grave.” This beautiful ballad looks forward to the day when we meet Jesus face to face! Brady Jones’ smooth bass is featured on the chorus of the fun, up-tempo “I’ll Live Again,” a classic originally recorded by the group in 1999. Alan Kendall takes the lead on the groovy “I Will.” This Ronnie Hinson penned tune simply says: If no one will talk about Jesus and the Cross, then I will. Cole Watson is featured on the powerful title track. This well crafted ballad reminds us that Jesus is still the answer for everything. Watson, who left the group shortly before release, delivers an incredibly powerful and moving vocal. “That Very Moment” originally recorded by the group in 1992 (and written by the late Kingsmen alum Squire Parsons) is a fun, bouncy tune that simply celebrates that day Jesus saved your soul. Brady Jones takes the lead on the tender “The Ninety And Nine.” This sweet ballad simply tells the story of the lost sheep. The Lord will bring back His own. Brady Jones is quickly becoming one Southern Gospel Music’s best young bass singers. He fits the Kingsmen sound brilliantly. “I’ll Stand Upon The Rock Of Ages” is another fun classic Kingsmen tune that simply says: While the angry storms of life rage, I am safe in His shelter. I’ll stand upon the Christ the Solid Rock. Alan Kendall takes the lead again on the powerful Easter anthem “When Sunday Morning Dawned.” Harold Reed, who returned to the group this year, is featured on “I Forgive Your Sin,” an incredible ballad that tells of the power of Christ’s Forgiveness. Your past has been pardoned and a new life has started. “Just In Time,” another Kingsmen classic, originally recorded in 1976, is a mid-tempo country style tune that simply says: I thank God that He found me just in time! “The Son Will Rise” is another Kingsmen hit from 1995’s Georgia Live and is given a great treatment here. “Freedom” reminds us that there is true freedom from the chains of this world in Jesus. The driving rhythm of this country style groove makes this a catchy tune. This incredible album closes with a moving rendition of the classic “Is That The Old Ship Of Zion” featuring legendary bass singer Ray Dean Reese and thirteen other alumni joining the current lineup. This Kingsmen choir includes: Arthur Rice, Chris Bryant, Greg Fox, Bob Sellers, Bryan Hutson, Josh Horrell, Jerry Martin, Chris Jenkins, Garry Sheppard, Ray Talley, Nick Bruno, Brandon Reese, Squire Parsons, and Ernie Phillips.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Seven decades of ministry and music is quite an achievement. From humble beginnings in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to singing all over the country, the legendary Kingsmen Quartet have been blessed with a meaningful, rich, and storied career. This beloved group has become synonymous with prestige,vocal excellence, and most importantly an energetic desire to bring people to Christ.
This album is a stellar celebration of this incredible milestone. Featuring beloved songs and soon to be classics, this album is truly one the group’s best in my humble opinion. Highlights include: “The Ninety And Nine,” “Is That The Old Ship Of Zion,” “Freedom,” “Still Jesus,” “I’ll Live Again,” and “The Son Will Rise.”
5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.kingsmenquartet.com
Leave a Reply