This month we have yet another history making event.  Those that follow Gloryland Gospel's review section know it is very rare for a group to have 2 projects reviewed.  This time we must bestow this honor on the Memphis Harmonizers of Memphis, TN.  This group has not only proved themselves through the years with powerful recordings, but their "Live" performances have left persons all over the country spellbound.  In a sense, the group has undergone a changing of the guard.  Longtime lead vocalist George McClain very seldom travels with the group, Robert Ellis has passed on, and Earl Myles is a record executive and member of the Sons of Wonder.  Now the fresh sounds of Ronnie Wilson, Pastor Melvin Rodgers, and Rev. Danny Bell lead the group. 

This powerful threesome places a very special stamp on their new release "Lord, Teach Me".  From the title cut, to the meditative closing song "Standing In The Need", you are treated to nothing short of quartet excellence.  Those that have had the opportunity to see the Memphis Harmonizers "Live" know when these gentlemen hit the stage you are in for a treat.  While Rev. Danny Bell represents the epitome of hard driving quartet leads, Rev. Melvin Rodgers contrasts this style with his amazing R.H. Harris like vocals, flawlessly shifting from falsetto to anguished tenor.  If that's not enough, you still have Ronnie Wilson breaking things down with his smooth crooner like vocals. 

In fact, Ronnie Wilson opens this powerful project with the catchy mid-tempo groove and title cut "Lord, Teach Me".  If you just love good smooth quartet singing then this song will definitely be a favorite. The song also perfectly sets up Pastor Rodgers on a reworking of an old R.H. Harris standard "Never Turn Back".  This bluesy cut jumps along and is highlighted by Rodgers' cool vocal spikes. While the verse on the "Good Samaritan" is a little faulty the vocal power overshadows the minor mistake.  Now if you really want a feel for the Memphis Harmonizers style there are two songs in particular that are representative of the group's long standing tradition. 

First let's check out Ronnie Wilson's arrangement of "Depend On Me".  This song features spirited lead vocals backed by an almost whisper like background approach. This type of singing is nothing short of quintessential Memphis Harmonizer vocal styling.  The second example is the Quartet Radio favorite "He Cares", lead by Pastor Melvin Rodgers.  This song features what old quartet fans would call that Gospelaire of Dayton, Ohio feel.  The laid back bluesy sound comes complete with background sho doo wahhs and all. Though the song is great on CD a disclaimer must be added here.  If you've ever seen the Harmonizers do this song "Live" then you know this is when Pastor Rodgers just goes wild.  His piercing falsetto yelps and modulations on this number have been known to wreck many a house.