Reviews of the music recorded by the Mighty Men of Faith
Journal of Gospel Music Review by Bob Marovich
Live at Valley Christian by the Mighty Men of Faith was recorded in front of 2,400 enthusiastic young students at the Valley Christian School in San Jose, California.Typically, there’s no more critical crowd of listeners than a group of young people, but the Mighty Men of Faith appear to have won them over.
The smooth modern quartet brought their friendly and relaxed delivery to the school—they sound like the Dells singing gospel. The California-based quartet’s music is driven by a rhythm section led by Prince Damon on keyboard. Cierra Davis is on drums, Neil Castro handles lead guitar, and Vernon Hall is on bass.
Most of the songs are originals, though one, the finest on the album, is a cover of “Clean Up,” the Canton Spirituals’ resolution to undergo a process of self-improvement. It is rendered to the students as a cautionary tale.
“Magnify His Holy Name” is a quartet song with a P&W heart. The singsong “Believe in His Promises” has a rapping vamp that originated, in part, with the CMCs: “Ain’t no party like a Holy Ghost party / ‘Cause a Holy Ghost party don’t stop.” It’s an ideal vehicle to deliver a message of encouragement to youth.
“Now I’m New” features superb falsetto singing. Hip hop elements figure into the melodic harmonies of “Power of We,” and Isaiah Houston’s prayerful composition, “A Friend of God,” gets a warm and gently buoyant treatment. By the concluding track, “This Joy,” it’s evident that the quartet enjoyed appearing before the youth as much as the youth enjoying having them as guests.
Live at Valley Christian is like Goldilocks’ porridge – just right.
Live at Valley Christian by the Mighty Men of Faith was recorded in front of 2,400 enthusiastic young students at the Valley Christian School in San Jose, California.Typically, there’s no more critical crowd of listeners than a group of young people, but the Mighty Men of Faith appear to have won them over.
The smooth modern quartet brought their friendly and relaxed delivery to the school—they sound like the Dells singing gospel. The California-based quartet’s music is driven by a rhythm section led by Prince Damon on keyboard. Cierra Davis is on drums, Neil Castro handles lead guitar, and Vernon Hall is on bass.
Most of the songs are originals, though one, the finest on the album, is a cover of “Clean Up,” the Canton Spirituals’ resolution to undergo a process of self-improvement. It is rendered to the students as a cautionary tale.
“Magnify His Holy Name” is a quartet song with a P&W heart. The singsong “Believe in His Promises” has a rapping vamp that originated, in part, with the CMCs: “Ain’t no party like a Holy Ghost party / ‘Cause a Holy Ghost party don’t stop.” It’s an ideal vehicle to deliver a message of encouragement to youth.
“Now I’m New” features superb falsetto singing. Hip hop elements figure into the melodic harmonies of “Power of We,” and Isaiah Houston’s prayerful composition, “A Friend of God,” gets a warm and gently buoyant treatment. By the concluding track, “This Joy,” it’s evident that the quartet enjoyed appearing before the youth as much as the youth enjoying having them as guests.
Live at Valley Christian is like Goldilocks’ porridge – just right.
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The Pulse of Entertainment Review of Live at Valley Christian
Reviewer Eunice Moseley The Mighty Men of Faith has a grass-roots sound, almost raw in nature, with harmony as the thing that sticks out for me - that street corner harmony I was raised on. Of "The Mighty Men of Faith Live at Valley Christian" selections offered my favorites include #1 "Magnify His Holy Name" because of the harmony and its Praise & Worship feel; #2 "Believe in His Promises" because of the guitar work by Neil Castro and the electric keyboard sounds by Prince Damon and the vocals are almost like they are rapping bring that Hip-Hop feel to it, which is great for youth; #3 "Clean Up" because it's a great Praise & Worship song for kids, almost like a lullaby; #4 "Now I'm New" because it's a sweet and simple testimony of thanks; #5 "Power of We" because I love how they combine traditional with modern music making it great for kids and the harmony is tight too; #6 "A Friend of God" because its another wonderful Praise & Worship song, and #7 "This Joy" because it's a nice Contemporary Jazz number that has a twist of the Hip-Hop culture. I think I basically said the whole album is worthy of praise! Other musicians on the project aside from Castro on lead guitar and Damon on keyboard, are Cierra Davis on drums and Vernon Hall on bass. |
Gospel Music Fever Blogspot review of the song Run and Go Tell It from the CD "Nothing But Grace"
They planned to perform only once for a special event at University AME Zion Church, but the one-time plan was axed when the response to their performance opened doors for them to travel throughout northern California. Five years later, they're known as The Mighty Men of Faith, and they've released their sophomore CD entitled Nothing But Grace, which features the urban contemporary single "Run and Go Tell It." In contrast to the tempo one might assume belongs to a song with "run" in its title, "Run and Go Tell It" is unhurried. Staccato R&B-esque lead vocals and finger-snap percussion, enhanced by layered harmonies throughout the chorus, accentuate the tune's simple personal declaration: "I will run and go tell it...what God has done for me." The Palo Alto, CA foursome has been nominated for Rhythm of Gospel Awards in five categories. Reviewer Libra Boyd |
Review of Nothing But Grace by Andrew Greenhalgh
In April of 2009, Mighty Men of Faith took the stage at a Men’s Day celebration at a local church in Palo Alto, CA. They’d worked and rehearsed for their performance, really intending it to just be a dose of special music for their time there. But, as Providence would have it, that performance would ignite a spark within the members of the group, opening doors for them to perform all throughout northern California and more, pursuing their dreams of worshipping the Savior in music and in verse.
The past several years have seen the group, now comprised of vocalists Wendell Basey, Rev. Ed Harris, Richard Hayes, and Charles Johnson, work toward developing their sound, incorporating elements of both traditional and contemporary gospel into their repertoire. That combination of the two genres is a key factor in the success of the quartet’s debut full-length recording, Nothing But Grace, recalling elements of gospel heavyweights like Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, and Byron Cage, among others.
Lyrically, Mighty Men of Faith draw from a pretty conventional well, offering up tried and true platitudes of praise and thanksgiving throughout. The song titles alone belie this, with tracks like “God Is Love,” “I Will Praise,” and “Pray For Me” peppering the set list. But, these are songs for the Church and crafting songs that are congregationally accessible is always a key and, to that end, the Mighty Men accomplish that task, offering up tracks that listeners everywhere will be able to grab hold of.
Yet, it’s on the musical side of things where Mighty Men of Faith really shine. These are four gifted vocalists whose passion is evident through each and every song. They approach their task with reverence yet imbue the lyrics with plenty of soul, despite the occasional dropped pitch or off note.
Things get off to a solid start with “Run and Go Tell It,” a tight beat thrumming through the whole of the track while the quartet showcases some smooth harmonies, leading into the energetic praise of “I Just Want to Thank You.” The harmonies falter a bit on “God Is Love,” feeling a little muted but “I Thank You” rights the ship with a rich arrangement and stirring lead vocal, accompanied by a small children’s chorus.
“He Is God Alone” is a mixed bag, a solid arrangement fueled by some tight guitar riffs and bass lines yet finds itself marred by some pitchy vocals while “I Will Praise” is a more successful effort with an effortless composition that lets the voices shine. That’s followed by the title track which is easily the highlight of the record, a smooth, urban beat underscoring great vocals all the way around and really showing what Mighty Men of Faith are capable of.
That same urban flow is picked up on “Pray For Me,” the harmonies tight and layered as “This Joy” takes things back to a more traditional gospel realm, bright keyboards leading into a joyous vocal. “God Is My Supply” follows suit, taking things back to old school church with strains of organ beneath before opening up to “Father These Things I Pray” with its mixed bag of vocal highs and lows, not to mention the outdated spoken word intro. Yet Mighty Men of Faith close things out in fine fashion, delivering a soul-stirring a cappella number arrangement with “God’s Got a Blessing,” showcasing their considerable talent and leaving listeners longing for more, which is the ultimate compliment.
Mighty Men o Faith’s Nothing But Grace is not a perfect album but it is a good step in the right direction. The quartet out of northern California is a talented bunch, possessed of powerful voices and a powerful mission to spread the good news of Jesus Christ across the land and they hold tight to that message here, putting their heart and soul into it. Fans of gospel music new and old will find plenty to enjoy here and will no doubt be waiting expectantly for more from the Mighty Men.
In April of 2009, Mighty Men of Faith took the stage at a Men’s Day celebration at a local church in Palo Alto, CA. They’d worked and rehearsed for their performance, really intending it to just be a dose of special music for their time there. But, as Providence would have it, that performance would ignite a spark within the members of the group, opening doors for them to perform all throughout northern California and more, pursuing their dreams of worshipping the Savior in music and in verse.
The past several years have seen the group, now comprised of vocalists Wendell Basey, Rev. Ed Harris, Richard Hayes, and Charles Johnson, work toward developing their sound, incorporating elements of both traditional and contemporary gospel into their repertoire. That combination of the two genres is a key factor in the success of the quartet’s debut full-length recording, Nothing But Grace, recalling elements of gospel heavyweights like Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, and Byron Cage, among others.
Lyrically, Mighty Men of Faith draw from a pretty conventional well, offering up tried and true platitudes of praise and thanksgiving throughout. The song titles alone belie this, with tracks like “God Is Love,” “I Will Praise,” and “Pray For Me” peppering the set list. But, these are songs for the Church and crafting songs that are congregationally accessible is always a key and, to that end, the Mighty Men accomplish that task, offering up tracks that listeners everywhere will be able to grab hold of.
Yet, it’s on the musical side of things where Mighty Men of Faith really shine. These are four gifted vocalists whose passion is evident through each and every song. They approach their task with reverence yet imbue the lyrics with plenty of soul, despite the occasional dropped pitch or off note.
Things get off to a solid start with “Run and Go Tell It,” a tight beat thrumming through the whole of the track while the quartet showcases some smooth harmonies, leading into the energetic praise of “I Just Want to Thank You.” The harmonies falter a bit on “God Is Love,” feeling a little muted but “I Thank You” rights the ship with a rich arrangement and stirring lead vocal, accompanied by a small children’s chorus.
“He Is God Alone” is a mixed bag, a solid arrangement fueled by some tight guitar riffs and bass lines yet finds itself marred by some pitchy vocals while “I Will Praise” is a more successful effort with an effortless composition that lets the voices shine. That’s followed by the title track which is easily the highlight of the record, a smooth, urban beat underscoring great vocals all the way around and really showing what Mighty Men of Faith are capable of.
That same urban flow is picked up on “Pray For Me,” the harmonies tight and layered as “This Joy” takes things back to a more traditional gospel realm, bright keyboards leading into a joyous vocal. “God Is My Supply” follows suit, taking things back to old school church with strains of organ beneath before opening up to “Father These Things I Pray” with its mixed bag of vocal highs and lows, not to mention the outdated spoken word intro. Yet Mighty Men of Faith close things out in fine fashion, delivering a soul-stirring a cappella number arrangement with “God’s Got a Blessing,” showcasing their considerable talent and leaving listeners longing for more, which is the ultimate compliment.
Mighty Men o Faith’s Nothing But Grace is not a perfect album but it is a good step in the right direction. The quartet out of northern California is a talented bunch, possessed of powerful voices and a powerful mission to spread the good news of Jesus Christ across the land and they hold tight to that message here, putting their heart and soul into it. Fans of gospel music new and old will find plenty to enjoy here and will no doubt be waiting expectantly for more from the Mighty Men.
Sept. 16, 2011 Review of Mighty Men OF Faith and their album “Because He Loves Me”
By DJ Gus – B2B Gospel Radio – BTB-DB
I might as well jump in the deep end where it is simply HOT by saying, this male group or quartet, are not just a quartet. These humble brothers are rattling the windows with their unique blend of traditional and contemporary gospel music.
The Mighty Men Of Faith, Wendell Basey, William (Pedie) Carswell, Rev. Ed Harris and Malvin Scott have presented a feast of spiritual musicality that will stand toe to toe or even side by side with any male quartet in existence today. I would dare to say they are the Four Tops of gospel music.
This album “Because He Loves Me” fills all the gaps and smoothes them over with a ripple effect that will keep you skipping from crest to crest.
From the very start, the funky flavours are dished up in “I’m Satisfied” with original rapping to invite the youth through to the well placed harmonies, I was hooked. “Because He Loves Me” is easily my favourite. I would label this as ‘Beautiful’. This piece takes the listener on a journey where you cannot say you did not feel the power of God. Truly the grace and amazing gentleness of our Creator is apparent in these lyrics. Through it all we realise the Creators humility and the ultimate sacrifice he made for each of us. No wonder this is the title track.
There are a couple tracks that remind me very much of that happy church setting with a mix of the old or classical church sound and the modern praise and worship connection as in “Send Me I’ll Go” and “He Made A Way”. I can see the church mothers swaying from side to side and I am certain there are a few feet tapping along with the hands clapping nothing but praise.
Mighty Men Of Faith have also connected with their Caribbean cousins through the colourful calypso composition that took me back to a Sunday morning in Dominica when the only sounds you can hear across the village are the neighbours who specialize in entertaining the whole village with their favourite gospel classics, Caribbean of course. A happy, flavour filled, masterpiece.
“Use Me Lord” and “Praise Him” make their mark with the trademarked precise harmonies and excellent musicianship. “Use Me Lord” is nothing less than a love song. I can see why these gentlemen are in demand.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
Need I say more? This is definitely ‘a must have’ for your gospel library.
By DJ Gus – B2B Gospel Radio – BTB-DB
I might as well jump in the deep end where it is simply HOT by saying, this male group or quartet, are not just a quartet. These humble brothers are rattling the windows with their unique blend of traditional and contemporary gospel music.
The Mighty Men Of Faith, Wendell Basey, William (Pedie) Carswell, Rev. Ed Harris and Malvin Scott have presented a feast of spiritual musicality that will stand toe to toe or even side by side with any male quartet in existence today. I would dare to say they are the Four Tops of gospel music.
This album “Because He Loves Me” fills all the gaps and smoothes them over with a ripple effect that will keep you skipping from crest to crest.
From the very start, the funky flavours are dished up in “I’m Satisfied” with original rapping to invite the youth through to the well placed harmonies, I was hooked. “Because He Loves Me” is easily my favourite. I would label this as ‘Beautiful’. This piece takes the listener on a journey where you cannot say you did not feel the power of God. Truly the grace and amazing gentleness of our Creator is apparent in these lyrics. Through it all we realise the Creators humility and the ultimate sacrifice he made for each of us. No wonder this is the title track.
There are a couple tracks that remind me very much of that happy church setting with a mix of the old or classical church sound and the modern praise and worship connection as in “Send Me I’ll Go” and “He Made A Way”. I can see the church mothers swaying from side to side and I am certain there are a few feet tapping along with the hands clapping nothing but praise.
Mighty Men Of Faith have also connected with their Caribbean cousins through the colourful calypso composition that took me back to a Sunday morning in Dominica when the only sounds you can hear across the village are the neighbours who specialize in entertaining the whole village with their favourite gospel classics, Caribbean of course. A happy, flavour filled, masterpiece.
“Use Me Lord” and “Praise Him” make their mark with the trademarked precise harmonies and excellent musicianship. “Use Me Lord” is nothing less than a love song. I can see why these gentlemen are in demand.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
Need I say more? This is definitely ‘a must have’ for your gospel library.