For this month's independent review we took a look at one quartet gospel's rising stars. Though the group was just formed in 1991 their lead singer and many of the members have gained recognition as long time house wreckers in the quartet industry. That group is none other than Albert Phillips & The Divine Messengers. Many will definitely remember this name from their 1996 Billboard charting selection "Lo Down Chariot" on Redemption Records. While this was the group's first release, lead singer Albert Phillips is better known as being the front man of The True Tones of Washington D.C. for years. This sophomore project not only equals the quality of their previous release but by far surpasses it.

The project contains some of the tightest arrangements and musicians in the industry today. You almost have to look twice to make sure that this project was self-produced. Any record label currently looking for a new artist would do well to pick these guys up in a second. One can only imagine what heights this group could reach under the direction of a major record label. The project opens with a classic selection released by Albert Phillips while he was with the True Tones entitled "Let's Go To Church". From the first stroke of the guitar it is evident that this is not you same old quartet sound. These gentlemen are on a mission and it is evident in their ability to record fresh new arrangements and selections.

Some songs of note include probably one of the top five drive songs of this year "He'll Make It Alright". Driven by a heavy bass line and the sharp Jay Caldwell like lead vocals of Albert Phillips this song literally jumps out the CD player. I do have to say, when you listen to a selection and try and figure out how much harder the group can drive you know you have a hit on your hands. It is definitely the most power packed three minutes and forty-two seconds of singing I have heard this year. As the song ends the Messengers slide into a mid-tempo ballad entitled "Tomorrow May Never Come". This message heavy selection makes it very clear that life will not last forever and it is best to seek the Lord while he may be found. Throughout this selection it is very clear that the Messengers have one of the tightest bands on the road today. With a style that is impossible to compare to another group today the Messengers definitely have cornered the market on the new Quartet sound.

Their arrangement of "Wade In The Water" is probably one of the most interesting I have heard. This traditionally slow tempo selection is turned into nothing short of a praise fest. While Albert Phillips handles the majority of the lead vocals vocal powerhouse Mickey Slade backs him up to perfection. Mickey handles the lead on the reggae flavored "Christ Will Always Win" and their excursion to the world of contemporary gospel "Your Love". In most cases you will find that a quartet group has two lead vocalists that are direct contrasts of one another. As you would expect the Messengers do not follow the normal pattern. Albert and Mickey share a similar vocal range and are both able to sing slower ballads and hard driving selections. Another selection that deserves mention is the Messengers arrangement of the Swan Silvertone classic "Lord I'm Coming Home". This song is transformed into a driving up-tempo ballad similar to "Lord I Thank You" from the late Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes. You have to hear this one to believe it!!

If you are looking for a project that is traditional quartet but definitely not your every day sound this is for you. With a spirit of humbleness this group is well on their way in the quartet industry. For more information about his project or to obtain it you can visit your local record store or contact Real Soul Productions at (703) 823-8896. I give Albert Phillips & The Divine Messengers "A Message From The Messengers" a 9 out of 10.