GOLD CITY STILL PACKIN' 'EM IN, RAISIN' THE ROOF

Ask most any typical fan who has followed the Gold City Quartet for the past 25 years what they think about the present group lineup and sound, and you will hear raving reviews. Words such as 'pace-setters,' 'standard-bearers,' the 'best in the business' are likely to proceed from those who follow the famed gospel group.

A recent concert in December provided ample reason as to why the fans describe the group in such glowing terms.

The addition of young bass vocalist Aaron McCune is one of the main reasons for the group's continued smashing success. Gold City had set the bar very high for bass vocalists in its 25 year history. Group owner and manager Tim Riley was also the bass for the group for most of its history--until his recent retirement. Riley's claim to fame are the mega-deep notes that he nails with ease. On any given night during a Gold City performance, Riley would thrill the crowd with his double-octave slides that would rumble the rafters.

Amazingly, these notes were not growled or faked by the old trick of blowing into the microphone, giving less-than-astute listeners the impression that exceptionally low notes were being sung. Riley had what people in the music business refer to as 'good cut,' that is, there was nothing fake or contrived in his voice. His tones were sharp, deep, and resonant, especially in the lower register where most men only dream of going.

When Riley retired the Gold City faithful remained true, but many secretly admitted that the bass position suffered from a lack of the trademark mega-bass...that is, until Aaron McCune joined the group last year. McCune had already made a name for himself with the Palmetto State Quartet from Greenville, South Carolina. This young bass possesses that 'star quality' that at one time was standard with gospel quartets, such as Hovie Lister and the Statesmen from the 50s. Not only that, but McCune is one of the few bass vocalists that can admirably fill the bass position, Gold City style.

While this amazing young bass has his own style and sound, his tones and depth are consistent with the sound for which Gold City has been known for 25 years. During this particular concert in December McCune proved that he could stand his ground with the lowest and best of bass vocalists. His double-octave endings were clean and blended well with the other vocalists. The lead, baritone, and tenor vocalists all provided stellar performances on songs where they were featured, but the blend the quartet has achieved is the thing that sets them apart. Very few gospel quartets have the ability to forge out a tight, balanced sound that exhibits a professional polish that only the best of singers can attain. Gold City is definitely in that elite group of artists along with the Florida Boys, the Dove Brothers, the Gaither Vocal Band, and Signature Sound.

Tim Riley must surely be proud of his new bass.

The Gold City Quartet travels out of Gadsden, Alabama, and consists of the following vocalists--Aaron McCune on bass, Danny Riley on baritone, Jonathan Wilburn on lead, and Steve Ladd on tenor. The group is accompanied by pianist Josh Simpson.

There is not a weak link in this chain. Each is an accomplished vocalist and musician.

Gold City has amassed a legion of faithful fans through the years. The faithful are known to travel hundreds of miles to see the group in person. A typical Gold City concert is a sell-out, and that includes such widely diverse areas of the country as the Deep South, the Midwest, the Northeast, and the West Coast. In addition to winning multiple fan awards through the years, the group has a ton of number one singles under its belt. Cashbox Magazine has named Gold City as the southern gospel group of the year more than once. They have also appeared many times on Bill Gaither's concerts and multi-platinum videos.

After all of these years it is clear that Gold City is still packin' 'em in and raisin' the roof. The fans love 'em and turn out to see them in droves. And the quartet never disappoints. They 'raise the roof' with their unique brand of quartet singing.