In a society where some believe choir music has lost its touch, the Tennessee Fourth Music Department proves there is still power behind the choir pews! Coined as the “TN 4th Mass Choir”, all one has to do is take a listen and be swept into the power of God flowing through the vessels of His people. For over three decades, the choir has provided music to the body of Christ and beyond. Hailing from the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) headquarters of Memphis, TN the jurisdictional choir is a compilation of churches within the Tennessee Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the COGIC denomination. In 2003, the choir released their debut album When I Get There, penning the late presiding COGIC leader, Bishop G. E. Patterson as the executive producer.
Under the Jurisdictional leadership of Bishop Jerry L. Maynard, the choir is making a long overdue return, breathing a fresh sound and new wind into their sophomore release, Excitement of Praise. Recorded in Memphis, TN, the project is truly a labor of love for Bishop Maynard’s label, Jelama Records.
“God’s Been So Good” is a tune channeling the Gospel grooves of yesteryear with today’s modern instrumentation. The memorable refrain alongside the band’s signature bounce provides the listener with an opportunity to reminisce upon the goodness of The Lord. Blaring horns and organ riffs underpin the question prompted by the choir which simply states, “Do you have the time to talk about Jesus?” This song is for anyone who has ever experienced the excitement that comes from God consistently delivering on His promises – which is everyone!
Slated to release in the Fall of 2017, the album features Derrick ‘The Maestro’ Jacksonon keys, powerhouse, soloists, Carla, Tolbert, Taylor and Kathy Taylor, and laces in the smooth vocals of Shae Norman. Bridging the contemporary praise and worship rhythms of today’s music with songs such as The Report and Great God with the traditional anointing of old-time church found in the tune Thank You Jesus, it serves as a solid reminder of God’s grace, goodness, and love for all those who take a listen.
