This month's independent release is probably one of the most unique yet. This month we spotlight the Washington D.C. based group Billy Hardie & The Gospel Soul Brothers. Billy Hardie, who is best know for being the second lead singer for Tommy Ellison & The Fiver Singing stars has successfully branched off to greener pastures. Joining with his brother Bobby Hardie each and every song is a power packed soul stirring experience. Unlike the many over produced musically diluted projects on the market today The Gospel Soul Brothers are raw. It literally sounds like you are in a church service and the Soul Brothers are ministering. The lively feeling that is usually lacking in studio quartet projects is by no means missing in this release. Highlighted by shouts of encouragement from Brother Bobby, Billy Hardie is free to unleash his screaming vocals that make even the listeners throat raw.

The project includes 12 powerful selections and the thirteenth is an interesting novelty song sung by Billy and his brother Bobby. The song tells of their start as brothers singing together and their humble beginnings in North Carolina. All that can really be said when thinking about the Hardie brothers is look out Clay and Cleve these guys are something else. In the tradition of Clay and Cleve Graham of the Pilgrim Jubilees the two Hardie brothers are able to carry a show by themselves. However when you do have the opportunity to hear them both together it is literally overwhelming. This can truly be heard on their selection "Look Upon His Face". As Bobby weaves his way through this powerful hymn Billy can be heard in the background encouraging him on until the Spirit moves them to stop singing and give Praise to God.

This is another of those projects where it is almost fruitless to talk about songs of note because every song is a potential hit. With the driving beat of a drum the projects starts out in shoutin' fashion with the title cut "Call On Jesus". As Billy drives his voice harder and harder the Soul Brothers further push him with a classic quartet drive repetition of the phrase "Call on Jesus". The project then slows down with Billy once again leading the selection "Free At Last". This song is highlighted by a great story of an elderly man who had been incarcerated for many years. He tells of how all of his freedom was taken but they allowed him to keep his Bible. He speaks of how no matter what condition you find yourself in if you have Jesus you are truly free at last. Bobby Hardie takes the lead on among others a powerful song entitled "Be Careful". The musicians are barley heard and Bobby begins by quietly stating the words, "You need to hear the instructions of the Lord." As the song goes on you can literally see him in the audience ministering with this slow ballad. The song tells of how we must be careful of what we see, hear, and do as children of the most High God. For the most part the project follows a pattern of one slow/mid tempo ballad followed by a quartet drive song. However there are a few bluesy selections such as "He Took My Sins Out On The Hill" thrown in for good measure. My absolute favorite song on the project is the Soul Brothers song of praise "Thank You Lord". Highlighted by Billy's explanation of why we should truly be thankful to God the group goes on to sing with anointing power. This is truly a song that never ceases to draw tears from my eyes. When we take the time and think about the goodness of Jesus Christ. Just think of how he leads you from one destination to another. The only thing that we can say is "Thank You Lord"!!

On the whole this project is true ministry in song with a modern traditional sound. The backgrounds are not studio enhanced and artificially tight but sound like real people harmonizing. As I try to think of any possible complaints one might have with this project I am at a loss for words. If you love traditional quartet gospel with powerful lead singers then it is my guarantee you will love this CD. This project further carries on the Gospel Soul Brothers tradition of recording excellent projects. This is one of those projects that you literally need to run and get. To order this project you may contact motivationnhgen@msn.com or call toll free (888) 815-8611.  I give Billy Hardie & The Gospel Soul Brothers "Call on Jesus" a 9 out of 10.