The Grace Thrillers are (in front) Noel Willis Jr. (left) and Alrick O'Connor; (seated) Althea Hemmings (left), Shalli Burrell (centre) and Cadian Brown; (at back) Mary Lewis (left) and Natalie Foster. - Contributed

Kavelle Anglin-Christie, Staff Reporter

On Wednesday night a new generation of young soul thrillers launched their new album, It's All About You.

The album, which is The Grace Thrillers' 21st, was launched on the grounds of the Mayfair Hotel. It commenced with a prayer by Rev. Peter Morgan and featured speeches by Desmond Young, the president of the Jamaica Federation of Musician, group member Latoya Hall and others.

An overwhelmed Noel Willis Jr., son of the founder of Grace Thrillers, Noel Willis Sr., OD., said he always wanted to join the group. "I always wanted to follow in my father's footsteps, but little did I know it would creep upon me so soon ... It is a tightly knit group and people would never believe that we are from different parents. We have no fear of the future - where He leads, we'll follow."

High praises

Asley 'Grub' Cooper, CD, producer of the album, spoke of his relationship with the group over the years and how proud he is of them. "It has been a pleasurable job over the years. Ihave written over 14 or 16 of the songs for them and they have never made me feel alienated ... I don't mean to sound braggadocios, but a lot of their success has had to do with me as a producer ... They came to me as babies and now they are giants in the music business ... I wish them all that is good and there are no stars in Christendom, only one star," Cooper said.

Prime Minister, The Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, was also in attendance and spoke highly of the group, which was started in 1971, and which also happens to be one of her favourites.

"I have always admired the original Grace Thrillers and now there is a new set with young people filled with such vibrancy. What is important is that they can inspire young people of this country," said Simpson Miller.

Progressive young Jamaicans

The Prime Minister continued: "Young Noel Willis possesses the sweet-sounding voice of his mother and father. Never forget Aunty Portia is your second mom, as I feel I am the second mom to the new Grace Thrillers group."

PM Simpson Miller also said there are more young progressive Jamaicans than destructive ones.

"Every time you hear about crime and violence you hear 'ah di young people', but no, it's just a few. The majority are working hard to make their families and communities proud," she said.

Simpson Miller also spoke of the importance of gospel music and thus the significance of the group.

"Gospel music is one of the most powerful and captivating forces in reinforcing positive religious values. What a sermon fails to do, music can achieve," she said.

" ... I love my party songs, I love music, but when I hear gospel songs I can't stay quiet. It is almost as if it is taking you to a different realm; there is something special about gospel music. Young Thrillers, your voices will never be silenced," concluded PM Simpson Miller.

After the speeches, the young group gave the audience a taste of the album, singing I'll Never Give Up My Jesus, I've Been Through Enough and the title track, It's All About You, among others.

The members of the group are Latoya Hall, Noel Willis Jr., Alrick O'Connor, Mary Lewis, Shalli Burrell, Natalie Foster, Cadian Brown an Hemmings.