(May 9, 2021) Cali-based Gospel group New Ariizon (named in honor of Psalm 102) is new to us, but we’re glad we have finally heard them, more than three decades into their career. The quintet, consisting of members Duke Lane , Al Ross, Marcus Griffin, Juliet Smith, and Herman Jackson, has a sound that harkens to the soulful inspirational vibe of those Detroit greats The Winans and Commissioned. And the group has the tunes to go with the close harmonies.
New Ariizon has performed all over, both acappella and with a band, winning fans and helping save souls in the process.
The combination of great vocals and strong material continues on the new single “Never Let Go.” Co-written by Duke Lane and Sylvester Burks, it uses a bouncy, melodic tune to deliver a message about perseverance. Duke Lane tells us, “This song is about the trials and tribulations that you will be going through; it’s about the sorrows that you will have it’s about the ups and the downs that you will have. It’s about falling on your face and keeping your faith and your trust that He will bring you thru -- just never let go of His hand.”
That’s a message that a lot of us need to hear in these most trying times, and the five members of New Ariizon deliver it beautifully. Check out “Never Let Go” below, and welcome New Ariizon to SoulTracks.
New Ariizon - "Never Let Go"