Quinten Simon
God Did Just What He Said
Independent (release date: August 22, 2020)
By Robert M. Marovich
I don’t think I’m going too far out on a limb in proposing that Quinten Simon is a fan of the 1980s mass choir sound. His album, God Did Just What He Said, sounds like a Savoy Records release during the 1980s, the golden era of the gospel choir.
Simon and eleven background vocalists that sing with the authority of a workshop choir blend contemporary and traditional styles on this ten-selection album. That bold mass choir sound is especially evident on the opener, “Let’s Praise Him,” “He’s Working On Me,” and the title track, a joyous testimonial that moves to a church-rousing tempo and features call-and-response between Simon and his singers.
“I’m Still Here,” a passionate gospel ballad about faith and resilience, sounds ripped out of a GMWA showcase, complete with rocking chair rhythm, full-throated singing, and dense choral harmonies sung at full volume. Other notable highlights are “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” an up-tempo rendition of the classic gospel, with no-nonsense lead vocals from Kimberle Braggs. “It’s Working” pins a tried-and-true message of endurance and encouragement to a contemporary arrangement.
I was hoping “Caught Up to Meet Him” would be an updated version of the Clarence Hatcher composition from the mid-1940s. Although it opens with feisty piano, it is a bluesy gospel waltz led with self-assurance by Minister Jay Bass.
Simon, who took home two Rhythm of Gospel Awards in September, including Traditional Artist of the Year, has a throaty baritone that falls somewhere between quartet and choir leader. It is ideal for the repertory he and his group present. Not sure who produced the CD, but it is of higher quality than the average independent project. And it goes to show that very good things can, and often do, come in humble packages.
Four of Five Stars
Picks: “God Did Just What He Said,” “I’d Rather Have Jesus”
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