The Crossmen – “Gettin’ Ready”
Back around 2012 / 2013, I had come across a record dealer on eBay – they were a retired couple from Florida, not 100% where about in Florida they came from. I had done a lot of my dealings – in my Gospel record collection – with them, they were super easy to work with, they recommended a lot of albums to be, taught me what a DeGritter is. Absolutely fantastic sellers. I hope wherever they are, they are doing well.
One of the records that I had purchased from them was this one, and at the time I was on a “I Should Have Been Crucified” kick, I loved that song more than any Gospel song at that time, and this was one of many albums I bought because of that. Now, years later, with the knowledge I have in Gospel music, I look at this song list and I see a stacked album. So, without further ado, let’s drop the needle on The Crossmen from MacArthur, West Virginia,
The album opens with the title track, “Gettin’ Ready” and it starts off with some piano tinkling, the vocals start off slowly, with the lead vocalist Larry Garten singing, before the tune picks up and the whole group joins in on the chorus, and we start off strong on this album. Next up, we go into one of my favorites “Ten Thousand Years” and I’ve never heard this song in such a vocal harmony type of way, with each of the members taking turns at the lead. By second verse, we go into just one solo singer without the harmony in the back, and it is a very nice rendition. Next up, we have a quick little song at 1:53 long, it’s called “Everybody Will Be Happy” – and you know, I’m happy with a purchase that I made almost 14 years ago. Glad that I am finally getting around to playing it. I would definitely be interested in hearing more by the Crossmen. “Gone” continues the A-Side, we got some nice, relaxing piano playing as the vocals slowly come in. The vocals are calm, it’s a more slow downtempo Gospel song. The A-Side closes our with “I’ll Wake Up in Glory” and I am definitely enjoying the tenor vocalist, Doug Patton, on this album. He truly has a voice that really stands out. It is an excellent song to close out the A-Side with.
The B-Side once more opens with some upbeat piano playing, and Doug Patton delivering his excellent tenor vocals on “That Day is Almost Here“, it’s a really bouncy, happy jive that the rest of the group comes in on, and makes for a great opening to the B-Side. We continue with “He Touched Me” – and you know, I see a lot of people making jokes about that song title, or albums that used that title, but a lot of those people that make jokes about that probably don’t realize how deep of a connection that song has with the people singing it, they have been touched by the hand of God, and that is the most wonderful thing for them. The high note from Mr. Patton, that’s wonderful to me. “The Man on the Middle Cross” comes next, and you know as a prelude to “I Should Have Been Crucified” this is a great track, Larry Garten delivers it beautifully of some piano playing. Yes, this is a very touching song, and a perfect lead up. Finally, the moment I’ve waited for “I Should Have Been Crucified” – and I have high hopes for the vocal harmonizing on this one, but what’s this? The Bass singer – Robert Mays comes out with a solo vocal! He delivers that deep velvety solo perfectly. After some group harmonizing, Robert returns with his solo – delivering what I can only believe to be the first and only bass version I’ve heard of this song. Robert Mays almost sounds a bit like Lowell Mason. The album closes out with the song “I Won’t Have to Worry Anymore” – and it is definitely a great way to close out the album, with the group harmonizing once more and delivering a fantastic album. Doug Patton returns with his beautiful tenor vocals, all in all, this album is definitely a keeper.
I do wonder who is who on this cover, I’d like to put names to the faces. If anyone knows, please comment below!
Catalog Number:
CQ 1001
Credits:
Drums – Randy Fielder
Lead Vocals – Larry Garten
Bass Vocals – Robert Mays
Baritone Vocals – Marvin Pack
1st Tenor Vocals – Doug Patton
Bass Guitar – Gary Wilborn
Producer – Joel Gentry
Recording Engineer – Fred Cameron
Photo – Marshal Fallwell
Recorded at Hall of Fam Studios, Nashville, Tennessee
Cover Design – Charles Hooper
Released:
197?
Find it on Discogs
Not so much an interesting fact, but the label is double printed
