As we take a look at this month's Independently released group I must make one comment. To many who know quartet gospel you know that just because a project is released independently it is by no means inferior to their nationally released counterparts. This is definitely the case with this POWERFUL project by Cleveland Ohio's own Rev. Melvin Kenniebrew & The Sensational Saints. If you have had the opportunity to see this group "Live" then you know exactly what I am talking about. Amongst the bombardment of sound alike quartets on the road today the Saints are definitely a break from the norm. With well over 30 years of experience under their belt and probably the most seasoned and tightest backgrounds I have ever heard you are in for the ride of your life. If you are one who loves the old style of gospel singing which emphasizes vocalization and not instrumentation then you must hear the Sensational Saints. With towel dangling from his side Rev. Kenniebrew cautiously takes the microphone and shows that groups get better with age. Amazingly enough Rev. Kenniebrew can flawlessly slip from a driving baritone voice to a piercing falsetto scream. Although Rev. Kenniebrew is amazing the listener will immediately notice the Bass vocals of John Reid. In the tradition of the late Jimmy Jones former bass singer for the Harmonizing Four and Southern Sons John Reid can drag the very bottom out of any note. The project actually closes with a selection called "Look To Jesus" where Reid takes the lead and showcases his skills.

The project opens with the Sensational Saints going to work on a powerful drive song called "Consecrated Service". The title of this song should be enough to tell you the depth of songs on this project. Each song is a spiritual work of art showcasing the goodness of Jesus and calling us as Christians to Consecrated Service. While listening to the Saints it is almost impossible not to hear the similarity to Rev. Claude Jeter & The Swan Silvertones. Rev. Kenniebrews mild stage manner and the Saints tight backgrounds truly are a welcome sight amongst a road full of high flying groups with little to no substance. While for the most part Rev. Kenniebrew takes care of the smooth songs his brother Roy takes care of the driving numbers.

It would truly be a fruitless effort to talk about each song of note on this album because every song is worthy of that honor. Eventhough the project is amazing it is truly amazing when the "Live" performance is even better than the CD. Rev. Kenniebrew and Roy Kenniebrew lead the listener down a road of familiar yet spell bounding songs. After having the opportunity to see the Saints recently I can attest to the fact that their best option for recording is definitely "Live". In a jammed full church Rev. Kenniebrew proceeded to tear the church down with the famous Swan Silvertone selection "Jesus Remembers". As I stood listening I closed my eyes and was amazed at the vocal range of this man who seemed to be at least 65 year old. By far the best song on this project is the song "Satisfied". This song calls us as Christians to check our relationship with Christ and see if God is Satisfied with you. The Saints also put forth one of the best versions of "Home When The Roll Is Called" that I've ever heard. All that is really left to be said about this project is 10 out of 10. Although the project is not listed on their website I am sure you can order directly by sending an e-mail to the group's manager Mr. Ray Kenniebrew kenniebrew3@aol.com. The address is http://www.highland-records.com. You may also call (216) 681-3940 to order this project.