This month we spotlight The Original Northernaires of Brooklyn New York.  You may remember this group as Lee Cloud & The Original Northernaires.  Since their last project, " I Surrender All," Mr. Cloud has departed this life to be with our Lord and Savior.

The group is now know simply as The Original Northernaires.  The current members of the group are Jimmie Sutton, Minister Howard Beaman, Derek Sutton, Danny Sutton, Stanley Williams, Eric Barnes and Lil Derek Sutton.  Their new project "Your Blessing Is Coming," is testament to the longevity of this group and the great vocals of its members.  The group was founded over 30 years ago.  One of the original members of the group was the legendary bass singer Jimmy Jones. 

The Northernaires have a strong traditional quartet sound.  So, this new project will not disappoint fans of gospel quartet music.

As with their last project, the Northernaires really ministers in song.  The first song on the project is "Sign Me Up."  This is one of the songs that have been recorded by other groups.  However, The Northernaires' arrangement gives a fresh feel to the song.  

Next the group showcases their smooth harmony with "The Blood."  Many groups have also recorded this hymn.  However, as with "Sing Me Up," the Northernaires' version has their unique background vocals.  This is a song you will play over and over. 

The group then gives you "I've Got Jesus" and the title track, "Your Blessing Is Coming."   Both tracks are great and carries very powerful messages.  On the title track, Minister Howard Beaman, reminds you of the legendary Joe Ligon.  What a powerful voice Minister Beaman has.  Next is "I Like The Way That Jesus Works."  The heart felt lead work and smooth background vocals are certain to make this another favorite on this project.

Lil Derek gets the opportunity to introduce himself to the world on "You Are My Everything."  This young man has a great future in gospel music.  It is obvious that he is being trained to continue the Northernaires' tradition.  Danny Sutton and Minister Howard Beauman share the lead duties with Lil Derek. 

Based on the first six tracks alone, this CD is worth purchasing.  However, there are five more songs.  The next being "Down In My Soul."  This is truly 'down home' quartet singing of a song that is a staple in gospel music.  It will remind you of sitting in a revival meeting in days gone by.  The musicians allow you to feel the song by adding just enough instrumentation, but not enough to take away the down home feel. 

"Giving God The Glory" is a testimony about the goodness of God set to music.  Minister Howard Beaman is joined by his sister, Lydia Beaman (of the Beaman Singers) in singing the lead on this song.  This song will surely get your toes tapping.  As in all of the songs, the background is smooth and the harmony is tight. 

Next the Northernaires tells us to "Try Jesus."  This is not the "Try Jesus" that you have heard being sung by Troy Ramey and others.  This is a wonderful new song written by Kevin Cloud.  Kevin Cloud and Minister Howard Beaman share the lead on this song. Like all of the songs on this project, it has a great message for the saints. 

"Work Until My Days Are Done," is dedicated to the late Lee Clouds.  This song brings together all of the vocals of the Northernaires.  Jimmy Sutton's falsetto runs are outstanding.  Mr. Sutton, by the way, is the last original member of the Northernaires that still sings with the group.  What a great song to honor the life of the late Lee Clouds.

The project ends with "God Is Real."  Jimmy Sutton brings new life to this traditional song.  The Northernaires gives us a slow tempo rendition of this song.  After about a 3 minute solo by Mr. Sutton, the group joins in with background vocals that are exceptional.