Quartets are an important part of the history of Gospel music. Still relevant today, toe-tapping, foot-stomping church services wouldn’t be the same without them. But few men’s groups can glide effortlessly from traditional quartet music to contemporary Gospel and do it well. That was until The Gospel Blenders hit the music scene. Rasheeba Records Recording Artist The Gospel Blenders is a Philadelphia-based, smooth-sounding, sharp-dressing singing aggregation. Uniquely gifted, the 8-member group can deliver sounds similar to The Canton Spirituals and take you to the modern-day vibe of The Spinners, all while giving praise to God. Their new single, “We Used To Have A Good Time”, was just released and serviced to radio by Edmondson Communications.
Merging soulful stylings and breath-taking Gospel harmonies, “We Used To Have A Good Time” will take the lover of church music back to the “good ol’ days”. A medley of classics, the memorable track includes a few bars of “Take Me To The Water”, “Amazing Grace” and “I Will Trust In The Lord”. The medley is taken from the ensemble’s latest release,Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. The 20-track, double CD – one CD entitled “Remembering The Past” and the other, “To Embrace The Future” – showcases the group’s diverse musical talents, providing inspiration throughout the entire sonic journey.
Formed in the 70s, the singers came up with the name “The Gospel Blenders” because they wanted to emphasize unity in the group. “We came up with the name because we felt it was important for us to harmonize together,” says the “We Used To Have A Good Time” lead singer, Simon Murray. The name also calls attention to the skillful way the members combine soul, jazz, R&B, and traditional and contemporary Gospel to come up with a sound that’s all their own. Consisting of members Rakim E. Harris, Rodney J. Harris, Ronald “Rudy” Harris, Leroy “Curtis” Johnson, Shevinah Johnson, Dorsey Mitchell, Jr., Richard F. Safford, Jr., and Murray, group members share both their ministry and their individual testimonies.
Each member has his own story of healing and deliverance and sings of the power of God every time they hit the stage. The Gospel Blenders have performed at both community and church-based charity events. These musical showstoppers have made appearances at numerous venues along the East coast as well as in their hometown of Philadelphia including the Academy of Music, the World Café Live and the First District Plaza/African Methodist Episcopal Headquarters.
“When people leave our concerts, I pray that they feel better,” says Murray. “I pray they leave with something positive, but most of all, I pray that those who don’t know Christ decide to get saved. For The Gospel Blenders, that’s what it’s all about”. Connect with The Gospel Blenders on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GospelBlenders.
