The Gospel Artistics - The Gospel Artistics (Remastered) (2020) [Hi-Res]

Based in the Washington D.C. area, nine-piece ensemble the Gospel Artistics set up shop at DB Sounds Studios in nearby Silver Spring, Maryland, for a full-length project, tied together and informed by elements as disparate as Northern soul and jam rock. The all-male group displayed the talents of all of its participants, as several members were multi-instrumentalists, vocalists, writers and producers. This includes work from vocalist and organist Al Mason, guitarist and baritone vocalist Tyrone Chase and songwriter and tenor vocalist David Hood.

Hood and Chase co-write “Lord Is It I?” a standout callback to the doo-wop of Motown and Chess, affixed in an otherwise largely livewire album. Though still a pared-back respite from the electrified soul of the album’s remaining runtime, the song’s syrupy, sweet tone is jilted by LeVon McNeil’s hard-hitting drumming, hinting at the group’s brash overtones.