Dedicated Men Of Zion – Coming Up Through The Years
Music Maker Foundation – 2026
10 tracks; 28 minutes
Coming Up Through The Years is the third album release from this band, all the members of which are related by blood or marriage. Anthony Daniels, Antwan Daniels, Tyjon Harris and Marcus Suggs share the vocals on nine songs written for them by Jimbo Mathus who co-produced the album with Bruce Watson. Jimbo plays guitar, keys and drums, with Kirk Russell on drums and guitar, Scott ‘Paco’ Goolsby on guitar and John Kveen on bass. This is Sacred Soul and one can find traces of soul acts like The Temptations, bluesmen like John Lee Hooker alongside the obvious gospel and Christian references.
The title track opens proceedings, a tale of rising above life’s hardships with a joyous chorus over funky wah-wah guitar, immediately followed by the soulful tones of “I Don’t Know Why” which recounts how a young child became aware of Jesus, terrific lead vocals on this one. The ballad “Jesus Is Waiting” reminds listeners that He is always ready to help us “standing right there for you to make up your mind” and “Nobody’s Fault” adapts Blind Willie Johnson’s “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” over rocking guitar and swirling organ. “No Ways Tired” is a slower tune with gentle guitar chords and an outstanding vocal performance by the four men, both the strong chorus and the deeply soulful lead vocal.
Offering a change of musical style the rhythm track for “Victory” sounds a lot like John Lee Hooker: “We shall overcome one day. Keep on fighting, O Lord, we shall gain the victory”. The gospel harmonies of “Something Within Me” take us to church before The Men take an environmental stance in “What You Gonna Do”: “What you gonna do when the world is on fire? Where you gonna run? Nowhere, no place to hide.” “Tone Them Bells” again adapts a familiar gospel song and The Men briefly reprise “No Ways Tired” in a short acapella version to close the album.
The Dedicated Men Of Zion sing beautifully in expression of their faith and there is plenty of good music to enjoy here, whether you are an active Christian or not.
