On our Industry News page we indicated that there “is a group in Delaware that got its name from a cartoon character.  The group is none other than The Mighty Aires.  The group was originally called The Tri-State Gospel Aires.  As the story goes, after personnel changes, the group was trying to come up with a new name when young Charles (Chuck) Finney, who was watching his favorite cartoon, suggested The Mighty Aires.  The cartoon he was watching was Mighty Mouse – thus “Mighty” from the cartoon character, and “Aires” from the original name of the group.”  We also indicated that “[a]lthough the name may have come from a character that was a figment of someone’s imagination, this group is for real.”  Indicative of that fact is their new recording – Breakthrough.

Therefore, this month we review the video by The Mighty Aires titled “Live Breakthrough.”  The recording took place at the Baby Grand Opera House, Wilmington, Delaware, on October 9, 2004.  It was released in 2005.  The community really turned out for this recording.  The live recording was well attended and the audience was an integral part of this recording from the beginning to the end.  Those in attendance worship with The Mighty Aires instead of just being in the building.      

There are 11 songs on this video.  Four members of the group are given the opportunity to sing lead.  Bonita Finney sings lead on “Wait On Him.”  She shares lead duties with the matriarch of the family, Rosetta Finney, on “How Great Thou Art.”  And Mrs. Rosetta Finney sings lead on “Its Almost Over” and “Where Could I Go.”

Deacon Sylvester Finney sings lead on “Let’s Praise Him,” "Do What I Gotta Do,” and “We Praise Thee.”  While Chuck Finney sings lead on “Turn It Over,” “So Good,” “Father Forgive Me” and the title track, “Breakthrough.”  

The Mighty Aires put a lot of energy into every song.  Each song takes the service to a higher level; culminating with “Breakthrough.”  That is why as you view this video, It is easy to feel that you are a part of the audience. 

The location for the recording was a good choice.  The stage was large and the group used every portion of the stage.  From the spacing of the microphones to the placement of the keyboards and drums, you know that a lot of forethought was put into the production of this live recording. 

The quality of the sound is good.  There are slight variations in the recording level to some of the songs.  However, it is not enough to diminish the quality of the video.  The camera shots are great.  There are great close-ups of the members of the group.  There are also good shots of the audience just at the right time.  Admittedly, some of the audience shots are somewhat fuzzy or blurred.  Overall, however, the lighting is good throughout the video. 

There are great interviews on this video.  The interviews really give you an appreciation for the reason each of the songs on the project were actually chosen for this live recording.  You will realize that the songs, for the most part, are the testimonies of group members.

This is probably one of the best independent live recordings of the year.  You will certainly want to have this video in your collection.  We give this video an 8.5 out of 10.  To purchase your copy of the video contact The Mighty Aires at 302-764-4347.