Dr. Arleen Fuller: Press

Entertainment Web posted Wednesday, March 15, 2006


'Get On Board' the gospel train

CD review

The Anointed Fuller Gospel Singers

Scott Harmening
For the Savannah Morning News

It's not hard to understand why trains are such a persistent metaphor in American music. The implication of movement and power has always meshed nicely with music that often seeks to convey similar themes of change, progress and the unstoppable forces of the world.

It's an idea especially well-suited to spiritual movement, and the Savannah-based Anointed Fuller Gospel Singers invites listeners to "Get On Board" the gospel train, as the group celebrates its 10 years together with a brand new release.

The nine cuts on "Get On Board," while very traditional in their themes of spiritual redemption through faith, incorporate musical influences beyond traditional gospel to include some elements of rock, funk and reggae. All but one song, the gospel standard "I Come to Thee," are originals, with writing and lead singing credits shared by several different members. Nearly all feature fluid and emotive, family-style harmonies.

Several tracks, including the opener "One Touch," tap into a classic soul sound (itself an offshoot from earlier gospel forms). They are reminiscent of Sam Cooke or early James Brown.

Other soul-influenced numbers, the slow-burners "Can't Wait" and "Calvary," feature the excellent tenor of Anteron Norman Sr., arguably the best all-around lead singer on the record. Norman also takes the lead on the super-funky title track, where, after an intro that is an exact replica of "J.B.'s Monaurail," he launches into a Marvin Gaye-style falsetto as the band plays Parliament-type funk riffs.

Another tune, "Pour Down," a homily about Noah's flood, sounds a little like the Beatles' "Come Together" spliced with The Ohio Players funk anthem "Fire." Classic gospel is represented as well, in up-tempo boogies "I Believe God Will Do It" and "Witness."

This blending of the old and the new, traditional and contemporary styles, is the real strength of "Get On Board." Along with the big voices and harmonies, The Anointed Fuller Gospel Singers offers a little something for gospel music fans of any stripe.

If You Go:

Who: The Anointed Fuller Gospel Singers, The Pilgrim Jubilees, Paul Beasley and The Original Gospel Keynotes

When: 5 p.m. Sunday

Where: Greater Emmanuel Tabernacle, 1101 Stiles Ave.

Tickets: $22 at the door, $17 in advance

For more info: (888) 579-7734





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Entertainment Web posted Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Diversions' Music Picks

The Anointed Fuller Gospel Singers

For 10 years, Savannahians have been treated to some of the best gospel music in the country. This being the "buckle" of the Bible Belt, what did you really expect? But now, one of our local groups is getting all grown-up and releasing an album to commemorate its 10th anniversary. The Anointed Fuller Gospel Singers, a Savannah gospel institution, will perform this weekend with other gospel groups to celebrate the milestone. The guests include Paul Beasley and the Original Gospel Keynotes from Tyler, Texas; The Pilgrim Jubliees of Chicago; The Sensational Tones of Brunswick; and the Zion Gospel Travelers of Liberty County. Ten percent of the ticket price benefits the American Cancer Society. - Jessica Clary