This month we take a look at a fairly new group to the quartet scene.  Like many groups on the quartet scene The Bonner Brothers have enjoyed regional success and this is their first shot at national recognition.  Though this project underwent little change before being released on the Malaco record label the sound and production as that of a professional longstanding group.  From the town of Oxford Mississippi these brothers have been known to wreck more than their fair share of houses on local as well as national programs.  While this CD is somewhat representative of the group's style and sound one can really only appreciate these brothers on a "Live" concert.  For those who attended this year's quartet convention you know of this group's ability to capture and audience.  

While the project as a whole is very powerful it does seem to be a bit schizophrenic in style.  While there are some really down home quartet numbers there are also selections that push the Contemporary envelope.  In fact the project opens in contemporary fashion with a selection that is sang in a much more traditional style when the group is seen "Live".  One must also take into account the character of the Malaco record label.  With many of their mainstay group's growing older and some even dying they are definitely in need of a booster.  This project by the Bonner Brothers may very well serve the purpose of propelling this legendary label to it's once acclaimed position.

As was mentioned earlier the opening selection has a strange traditional yet contemporary feel to it.  Though interlaced with quartet styled repetitive choruses, the R&B sounding bass is just a little to much for this quartet critic and fan.  The lead vocals for this selection is the younger Bonner brother of the group Cassie Bonner.  Many of his lead vocals throughout the project show a great level of raw talent.  The other portion of vocals are handled by the more quartet sounding Rev. Kenneth Bonner.  In fact following the opening selection "Here I Am" the group goes into pure quartet mode with "Get In The Spirit".  This hard driving tour-de-force has wrecked many a program, and is probably the group's most well known selection in the deep south. 

Bringing Cassie Bonner back to the forefront is another selection destined to be a favorite among quartet enthusiasts.  "I Just Can't Make It" showcases the smooth backgrounds and even slicker lead vocals of Cassie.  His vocal ability and style is very similar to a mixture of Paul Porter and Prathan "Spanky" Williams of The Disciples with Rev. Darrell McFadden.  The selection that absolutely took this year's Convention by storm is one that is not new to the ears of Quartet fans.  "Jesus Took My Burdens Away" was recorded only two years ago by Paul Beasley & The Original Gospel Keynotes.  However, after finding out the history of this selection the Rev. Kenneth Bonner is probably one of the earliest lead singers of this selection.  The sincerity and pure vocal excellence exhibited in this song shows the Bonner's at their best.

One of the most aggressively contemporary selections on the recording is interesting enough a arrangement of "If It Wasn't For The Lord".  To put it simply this isn't your grandmothers foot stompin' washboard scrubbin' gospel by far.  Complete with synthesizers, and programmed drums the Bonner's really put an interesting spin on this quartet standard.  This is by far one of those selections that grows on you, for more and more I find myself repeating the melody and chorus line.  One might wonder after hearing about mid-tempo, and even contemporary selections if this group can really get out and drive.  Well, wonder no longer my friends.  The Bonner's have by far the best drive song so far in 2002.  "The Name of Jesus" has not only been one of the most requested selection on Gloryland Gospel Quartet Radio but is slowly catching on around the country.

Like many of the other selections by this group even their drive material is handled in a very controlled yet spiritual fashion.  Rev. Bonner is probably the industries next lead vocalist in the school of smoothness.  His approach stands in direct contrast to legends such as Robert Blair, Rev. Julius Cheeks, and Daniel Scott of the Supreme Angels.  While these leads were masters of squalls and squeals, Rev. Bonner's power is in his vocal proficiency and diction.

Other songs of note include the powerful title cut "Delayed But Not Denied".  This bass driven selection features vocal genius Cassie Bonner and Rev. Kenneth Bonner.  While Cassie handles the real vocally demanding portions Rev. Bonner shows he can match his brother in both power and stylistically.  Highlighted by close background harmony which flawlessly moves into falsetto splendor this selection is by far one of the best on the CD.  Just as the CD opens and grand fashion it closes with a vocal bang.  Their beautiful arrangement of "Stand By Me" is sure to be a quartet favorite in years to come.  With the thematically consistent sound of water drops interlaced into this work of art Rev. Bonner and Cassie once again flawlessly pass the baton of vocal excellence like pros.  The project closes with another great selection entitled "In All of My Years".  The group shows some real creative ability by mixing in a choir on some of the choruses refrains and also the quartet backgrounds.  Though the liner notes do not point out who the choir is they are definitely a very powerful group of singers.