Music of Sunday, 12 September 2004

Source: ghanamusic.com

Alabaster At Last

Alabaster Box with Black Symbol The long awaited new album of Alabaster Box, the leading Acappella group in the country is here.

As if to compensate their numerous fans for the long delay, the album is loaded with 14 soul inspiring songs which are sure to touch gospel music lovers in different ways.

The four male singers have made a name for themselves by singing the various parts harmoniously in all their songs.

In the opener of the album titled ?Unto The King? featuring the Kings Jubilee composed by Sam Dowuona and arranged by the group, the solemn tune brings out the harmony in the voices.

This is followed by ?Nkulu Leko? which also features the Mega Voices. The song sounds South African and calls on all to give praise to God.

Once again, one cannot fail to notice the rich melody of the tune and the rich melody of the tune and the controlled and harmonious voices as they render the songs in a way that touches you.

?Kaashe Gbeyie? (Don?t be afraid) in Ga is a beautiful fast paced tune that have the voices turned instruments in a full bloom. A translation of the song in English makes it a favourite for all. It is a danceable. The vocal instrumental interlude makes it a song in a class of its own.

On track six is ?Go Out? performed in the reggae vein. Once again the voices in complete harmony urge all to go out and spread the gospel. The intriguing aspect of this song is how the voices are so used that it could pass for real instruments.

?Gye Me Nte,? features a special rap by Doba in a slow paced tune that has Doba rapping and the voices singing along in the background.

There is no doubt that the strengths of their songs are in the lyrics and the harmonious voices which will not fail to impress.

Other wonderful songs on the album include ?Nime Kombolewa?, ?It Is Well?, ?I Jump?, ?Pass Me Not By?, ?Ehunabobirim? (Awesome God), ?Psalm 31? and the ?National Anthem? arranged by the group and given another refreshing touch.

The group is made up of Samuel Dowuona (lead), Gideon Allotey (bass), Richmond Agidi (tenor) and Horst Ayub (falseto). Their first album titled ?From ?Welcome To Goodbye? was a hit and placed the group in a class of its own.

Their song ?Welcome? became the opening song for most events in the country because of its appropriate lyrics.

Last year, the group won the Best Acapella group at the Ghana Gospel Music Awards. All the rhythms are mouth made and recorded, mixed and mastered at Danoli Studios, Accra. The album is soul inspiring and is recommended to all Gospel music lovers.