This month the quartet spotlight shines on the Legendary sounds of Lee Cloud & The Original Northernaires of Brooklyn New York.  With well over 30 years of singing experience under their belt The Northernaires have long been considered on of the best "Live" groups on the road.  Many will definitely remember the Northernaires for their two hit LPs on Savoy "Without God, I Could Do Nothing" and "What A Time" released in 1979 and 1981 respectively.  However, it has been some time since the Northernaires have released a project that has enjoyed the national success that this 2001 release has continued to earn.

From the opening drum beat of the very first selection the Northernaires make it very clear that this project is all about Ministry.  With music ever so softly in the background Howard Beaman weaves his way through the beautiful hymn and title cut "I Surrender All".  Spirited lead work and crisp background vocals have already made this selection a radio favorite around the country.  The Legend himself Mr. Lead Cloud then takes the lead mic for a rollicking version of "Lift The Savior Up".  In classic quartet fashion Howard Beaman joins Lee on this selection and proceeds to take the selection to even higher heights.  After this selection the listener is literally left wondering how much better this project can get.     

Also worthy of mention is the beautiful mid-tempo selection "I've Been Changed".  While no doubt you already have an idea of this selection being your standard hymnal, this is by no means the case.  This drum beat driven selection features the lead voice of Lee Cloud with the Northernaires showing off some of their patented vocal range.  As the song gallops along the background seems to build more steam until a release of blinding falsetto splendor is inevitable.  By all means the best selection on the project follows on the heals of "I've Been Changed".  The beautiful ballad "Footprints of Jesus" tells how we are saved by the footprints of Jesus wounded feet.  Howard Beaman leads the listener through the final week of Jesus life climaxing with the triumphant Saviors victory over death and the grave and in the lives of believers.  This is quartet ministry at it's best with a clear message and great care for precise vocal delivery.  It is also during this selection that the listener will notice the Northernaires ability to make good use of their time in each selection.  There is absolutely no wasted time in any of the selections on this recording. 

The second half of the project opens with the Staple Singers "Pray on My Child". This selection is already one of the most requested selections on Gloryland Quartet radio this year.  In fact this selection was probably one of the most serious drive songs of 2001.  For over 5 minutes the gravelly lead voice of Howard Beaman proceeds to literally have Church in the studio.  By the time the Northernaires change into serious drive mode it becomes clear that a "Live" version would probably go for at least 10 or 12 minutes.  While there are other songs in the second half worth mentioning it would be an extreme oversight if we did not end this review with a mention of the A capella song entitled "Country Song".  This two part selection opens with the group talking in the studio of times past and how group's don't sing like they once did in yesteryear.  Though this group conversation does seem rather strange on the CD you are literally blown away by the beautiful A capella sounds of the Northernaires.  This is true quartet at it's best, not a guitar or drum in sight just the warm sounds of  human voices blending in beautiful harmony.

On the whole this latest release from Lee Cloud & The Original Northernaires is a well rounded effort.  Though there are a few selections that show weakness in the lead vocal department the majority of the project is good.  I give Lee Cloud & The Origianl Northernaires "I Surrender All" a solid 7.5 out of 10.  This project can be ordered directly from Bles-sed Records at (704) 596-7505 or through e-mail at Blessed Records@aol.com.