This month we take a look at a fairly new group to the quartet scene.  Having enjoyed great success in recent years these young brothers have definitely set a standard for up and coming quartet groups.  Their tight sound and gift for arrangements has made them one of the favorite young quartets on the road today.  With this their second major release the Virginia Aires have reached higher heights and deeper depths.  Under the leadership of Minister Rodney "Mailman" Mills these guys are all about Ministry from the moment they step on the stage until the last song is sung. 

This new release was recorded "Live" in front of a very lively audience in Virginia Beach, VA.  With a very gentle mixture of slow ballads and mid-tempo selections the listener is treated to a very well proportioned recording.  The project opens in a very serious mode with the bass driven "To Serve The Lord".  This song finds both Minister Mills and Kenny Halsey passing lead vocals around like globetrotting songsters.  Their ability to feed of one another is given ample showcase in this five minute hair raiser.  All one can say after this opening selection is WoW!!

Other songs of note include the riveting mid-tempo selection "New Home".  This song once again is driven by a heavy bass groove that really catches the listener's attention.  Minister Mills shows why he is definitely one of the best new lead vocalists on the road today.  His ability to not only sing but interact with the audience in a very sincere fashion is always welcomed by quartet listeners.  Though the music on this selection starts out a little to heavy Minister Mills effectively breaks the music down in order to work the crowd.  If "New Home" is the new groove then "Alright" is definitely the polar opposite.  This slow ballad finds Minister Mills expressing his absolute dependence and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.  With the music at a minimum the Mailman weaves his way through this Canton Spiritual styled selection.  It is with this selection that the listener really appreciates the tight background vocals of the Virginia Aires.  This song is definitely sure to be a hit amongst radio DJs and fans. 

The Drive selection on this project is a tour de force lead by the Mailman.  Many will probably remember this selection from it's debut in January on Quartet Radio.  This selection received such a response that it will be featured yet again in the month of March.  The song features an ample amount of shifts and tempo changes that serves to further intensify the sound.  Being a lover of hymns this review would not be complete without making mention of the beautiful arrangement of "Old Rugged Cross".  Set to the tone of a slightly country beat this selection captures the best of the Nightingales with a gentle mixture of added instrumental accompaniment.  Lead singer Rev. Kerry Smith soulfully presents this classic hymn with great care and sincerity. 

Though the overall tone of the project is definitely traditional one can only expect a young group to branch out on a few selections.  This break from tradition comes in the beautiful ballad "Pray to You".  Though it is not strictly traditional gospel it is a nevertheless a very powerful selection with very poignant words that speak to the soul.  As Christian Warriors on the Battlefield we all know that having a strong prayer life is equivalent to having a strong relationship with our heavenly father. 

I give The Virginia Aires "Live In the Country" a 8.5 out of 10.  If you are a lover of groups like the Canton Spirituals, Pilgrim Jubilees, and Gospel Four you will defiantly enjoy this project.  Though the CD has not been released nationally as of yet feel free to contact Thomas Alexander of Solid Rock Management at (757) 421-3544 or (757) 580-6026.