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The discovery of gold in Dahlonega, Georgia in 1828 set off the first major gold rush in America. It also inspired the name for Gold City, one of Christian music's best-known and well-loved entertainers. Gold City continues the tradition set forth by the group's founders in 1980 with the release of their new album "Moment of Truth."
The latest CD is the first project the new configuration of singers has recorded together. It reflects the varied influences the men have had in their lives, including gospel, country and blues, while maintaining what Gold City fans have come to expect from the award-winning quartet: -- modern, relevant songs with tight four-part harmonies that lift and inspire the listener.
"I'm not interested in reinventing the wheel," says group leader Daniel Riley. "The truth of the matter is that this group is younger, we have different tastes; without completely reinventing the music we've done through the years, we're trying to put our own twist into what Gold City has always been. We don't plan on changing the style of the group completely, but we want to break the old mold and make a new one that we are more comfortable in."
Daniel took over the southern gospel group from his father, Tim Riley, when he retired just a few years ago. Daniel has brought together a stellar group of singers and entertainers in Gold City's current structure: Steve Ladd, tenor; Bruce Taliaferro, lead; Aaron McCune, bass; and Daniel on baritone. They have a full-time pianist, Josh Simpson, and carry a full band dates.
Daniel's father joined the group, then based in Dahlonega, Georgia, as its bass singer back in the summer of 1980. That was when Floyd Beck evolved a group from Mississippi called the Christianairs into Gold City, taking the name from a quartet his father had led back in the 40s. After Beck died in 1984, Tim moved everyone to his hometown, Gadsden, Alabama, where it continues to be based.
The group has had major success over the years with many of its members going on to solo careers or starting other groups. Among those were Brian Free, Mike Lefevre, Ivan Parker, Mark Trammell, Jonathan Wilburn, Jay Parrack and others. Each specific group of men has spread the gospel through the music they recorded and performed.
"Our taste leans toward the modern country sound, so of course the new album does sound a little more country," Daniel says. "Our last album, "Revival," had that flair to it. Gold City has always been somewhat progressive, always pushed the envelope to a degree, and we are still doing that. We strive to be different than everybody else out there, because the only way to be successful is to find a way to be unique. I think we have accomplished that in our sound."
The quartet has had numerous number one radio hits over the years, making songs like "Midnight Cry," "It's Still The Cross," "He Said," "I'm Not Giving Up," "Calvary Conquers It All," "Show Me The Cross," "There Rose a Lamb," "Preach The Word," and most recently, "I Cast My Bread Upon The Water" classics in Southern Gospel circles.
"The most important thing for Gold City throughout the years is that the group has kept the Lord first, and we are no different today," Daniel stresses. "We seek to honor Him in our music and in our lives. I believe that's why Gold City is still here, because we do put Him first in all the music and make Him number one on our priority list."
Recording the new album was bittersweet for Daniel. It's only the second album the quartet has made since his brother, Doug, was killed in an automobile accident in 2006 while on his way to the studio where the group was recording.
"For a short time my brother and I got to work together as partners in the group, and we shared the same vision for Gold City," Daniel says. "A part of me wants to make sure I carry it (group) on for his memory. It's a great honor to be able to do that."
The songs on the album carry out the ministry of Gold City and what group members believe to be the gospel they are singing about, which is helping others. Daniel explains: "I feel like our ministry is in edifying the body, encouraging the church, because the way things are right now it's very stressful for people. We want our concerts and our music to be a place where they can come to be blessed and lifted up."
Daniel says he feels like this group is one that will take Gold City on to its next level of success. "I'm thankful to have guys that are talented but more importantly, have character. I feel like God put it together for sure because I can look back and see how He orchestrated the coming together of this group of men. I am totally at peace with the people who are here."
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