THE GOSPEL STORYTELLERS
Following a Gospel Storyteller's concert shortly after the release of their first album, entitled, "There Is A God Somewhere," a fan made the following remark, "This is music that makes you feel good, it's uplifting. It makes you want to listen to it." Organized by Andrew Wartts in 1982 in Bloomington, Illinois, The Storytellers quickly became known for their easy sweet style of singing. Wartts, a former lead singer for several Gospel Quartets in St. Louis, Kansas City Missouri and also a well known recording group out of Chicago, Illinois was looking to form a group of his own. " The name was decided on because on the first album all of those songs, with the exception of three are written about stories in the Bible. "Rich Man, Poor Man" is about Lazarus. There is "Peter And John" a Rap Gospel, also, "In My Father's House" "None Greater Than John" is about John The Baptist. The name just seem fitting, The Gospel Storytellers." Wartts stated. A great admirer of the Gospel Quartets, but particularly, Spencer Taylor and The Highway QC's, also Claude Jeter and The Swan Silvertones and the Salem Travellers because of their sweet sound. Speaking about some of his favorite groups, Wartts added, "Claude Jeter of the Swan Silvertones, once told me that he wouldn't want to be in the house with a finer lead singer than Spencer Taylor. They're great lead singers, masterful performers and I love watching them ply their trade". "I was always around the QC's because I learn from Spencer that it's not necessary to be a hard lead singer, but I don't believe any group could harmonize like the Swans. Spencer told me once, that the first time he saw the Swans was at the Apollo, there were only four members at the time and he didn't know four men could make that kind of harmony. The Salem Travellers had some great harmony and beautiful arrangements when they first arrived on the scene. Their lead singer Davis was awesome, he could captivate you with those wonderful Bible stories. Don't misunderstand me, I love to watch a good hard lead singer working a house. The late Louis Johnson of the Swans, Ira Tucker, of the Dixie Hummingbirds and the late James Walker of The Dixie Hummingbirds, and so many, many more. Most all of the hard, house rocking, lead singers that I have known also have the ability to sing the soft sweet stuff but their prediliction is for singing hard. It is a prerequisite in this profession. To watch them at work is as Mr. Spock would say, "fascinating". I always enjoy working with a hard lead singer in any group that I am a part of because I get to do the sweet stuff". Although he is known to love singing the sweet easy style with lots of harmony, those who worked with him will say he can sing the hard stuff, "Listen to their first album "There's Is A God Somewhere" stated a close friend and co-lead singer, he's working hard on some of those tunes. I love to watch Wartts on stage, he smooth, and he' got a lot of style. If you go to one of the Storytellers concerts they will make a fan out of you . You'll get your money worth and then some. His brothers are all good lead singers and very versatile, they remind me of the Swans because they can sing any style. They came out of the Church, singing in Choirs and it's a good combination because his brothers seem to prefer that hard house rousing style. But, they can also change up and do that sweet singing." The Sandhouse Collection is truly a great collection of gospel songs. This fine group of Christian men, four brothers have put together an album that will touch the hearts of all who listen. "Come Back To God", "Get Busy For Jesus" "How Could God Not Be". "The Sand House", "There Is A God Somewhere" and "A Man Called Jesus". represent a unique style of Gospel music. It just might be a collector's item one day. Just listen to the lyrics and you'll agree that this combination of musical abilities, vocal blendings and gifted songwriting presents one of the most exciting gospel album in a long time. The Storytellers have already completed most of the songs for their third CD which will be released in the summer of 2007. "I think it will be the best we've ever done. We're working with a fine engineer, great musicians, we're in a very nice studio, we have great material. What more could you ask for? There are some songs and arrangement on this one that is unbelievable. They were just given to us by the Holy Spirit to pass on to other". Also, I am not doing all the lead vocals. People will get a chance to hear my brothers doing lead, that gives me the opportunity to sing in the background, which I absolutely love. All of my brothers, Charles, Ed, and Joe are very fine singers. I'm very excited about it." stated Wartts