For this the month of April we take a look at one of quartet gospel's Legendary groups. That group is none other than The Messengers. These young men are still carrying on the great tradition started by the late Willie "Ice Man" Banks. In this their third project since his passing, the Messengers continue the standard for excellency in classic Banks style. Now the group is lead by Charles Blakley and Jackie Heard. Though the presence of a true legend is missing, the group shows their ability to continue on in his stead.

The Project opens with a rousing introduction that shows to perfection the "Live" nature of the recording. Wasting no time at all, Charles Blakley leads the Messengers in an up-tempo selection entitled "Jesus Will Help You To Stand". The selections on this recording were recorded before a very lively audience at Jubilee Jam Festival in Jackson Mississippi. On each selection Charles Blakely, Jackie Heard, and longtime Messenger Willie Mitchell literally tear the house down and build it up again with powerful selections. With a mixture of old style quartet and a few "Choirtet" selections the Messengers provide the listener with a true Churchy experience.

Songs of note on this project are numerous, so here are a few potential hits. Charles and Willie vocally duel it out on the Messengers new drive song entitled "Father In Heaven". This song jumps along to a heavy bass line peppered with some very distinct lead guitar rifts. I do have to say that the real highlight of this project has to be the classic selections. This project really gives those fans who are unfamiliar with Willie Banks material a real look at some of his greatest hits. Some Banks penned selection include "Things I Can't Change", "Moving On", and "One More Chance". Another song of note is "He'll Never Fail". This selection features Canton Spiritual lead vocalist Harvey Watkins Jr. and Charles Blakely. Harvey is in drive mode for this bluesy selection. The resemblance to "Mississippi Po Boy" is evident throughout the entire selection. One very important point to mention is that each and every selection on this recording is power packed. This project is available everywhere so head out to your local record stores and pick your copy up today. I give The Messengers "Special Delivery" a 8 out of 10.