2020 – Bible & Tire Recordings
By Phillip Smith; March 21, 2020
The Dedicated Men of Zion’s latest release Can’t Turn Me Around is plainly put, music for the soul. The four men whose magnificent harmony make this record such a stand out is Anthony Daniels, Antwan Daniels, Dexter Weaver, and Marcus Sugg. This eastern North Carolina gospel quartet was formed in 2014 as a quintet, but with the passing of founding member Trevoris Newton, the departure of Darren Cannon, and the addition of Sugg, the group was rebuilt as four. Anthony, who has backed up Elton John, Toni Braxton, and Bebe Winans, is Antwan’s father, and Sugg’s father-in-law. Produced by Bruce Watson of Fat Possum Records, and recorded in his Delta-Sonic Sound Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, the record comes to life, enlisting Watson’s all-star studio band. With Will Sexton on guitar, George Sluppick on drums and percussion, Mark Stuart on bass, and Art Edmaiston on horns, the music is infused with that easily identifiable Memphis soul sound I often crave.
“I Feel Alright” is definitely reminiscence of the sounds coming out of the Stax studios on East McLemore Ave in the sixties. Anthony’s velvety lead vocals sound fantastic backed the all-star band. I love the hypnotic riff running through title-track “Can’t Turn Me Around”. Anthony’s voice shines brightly, while Sexton lays down some funky psychedelic licks on guitar. It sounds great. The harmonies on the up-beat “You Don’t Know” are delightfully uplifting. A fitting song for the times ,“It’s a Shame” is southern gospel soul at its finest.
I’d encourage anyone to check this album out. It’s the real deal.
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