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| 'The Paschall Brothers: On The Road Right Now' New Album From Legendary, Virginia-Based African American Quartet Features 13 Tracks of Their Distinctive "Roots Gospel" Sound. Over twenty-five years ago, a Hampton Roads, VA-based African American quartet known as the Paschall Brothers attracted attention for their silken voices, intricate harmonies and their classic Virginia Tidewater sound. On October 9, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings released a new collection from the group called 'On the Road Right Now, ' part of the label's African American Legacy Series. 'On the Road Right Now' features 13 new tracks (original and traditional) that carry on the African American "roots gospel" tradition that emerged in the post-Civil War South. The Reverend Frank Paschall Sr. served as lead and background singer in other groups, but his greatest contribution to the Tidewater quartet legacy was to train his sons. He established the Paschall Brothers in 1981 with five of his sons: Frank Jr., the Reverend Tarrence Paschall Sr., Wendell, Dwight, and William. After he died, Tarrence primarily took over the lead vocal position. Several brothers left the group, and two remained. The five members of the group at present are the Reverend Tarrence Paschall Sr., Tarrence Paschall Jr., Frank Paschall Jr., Renard Freeman Sr. and Renard Freeman Jr. As in many quartets, these singers are versatile: as "utility singers, " each can sing any of several parts. One of them usually gives the pitch to start a song in performances. The Paschall Brothers broke out of the mold of the typical Hampton Roads church-scene quartet. In addition to performing at churches, they perform at schools, community centers, social and family gatherings, and festivals in the Tidewater area and elsewhere. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |