After an impressive studio debut, Mississippi quartet sensations The Bonner Brothers return to the recording fold with a live project.

On Malaco Records, and titled simply Live, this 11-song project contains much of the same material as was presented on their Delayed But Not Denied project from 2002, but with the a greatly enhanced appeal due simply to the engaging live feel of the project. The project is also available as a concert DVD.

There are in fact two things that are immediately distinctive about this group. Number one is the incomparably soulful vocal voice of Cassie Bonner. Sitting behind the organ, Cassie is equally capable of the intensity of contemporary wails as he is with solid quartet anchoring.

The other point to note about The Bonner Brothers, is the ease with which they switch things up from quartet drives ("The Name of Jesus") and traditional ballads (such as on "Take Me To The Water" and "Jesus Took My Burdens Away") to the most authentic of R&P praise grooves and old school jams.

Case in point for the latter is "Here I Am (Send Me)", which not only features some great vocal deliveries, but also some inventive bandwork that even the most ardent East Coast contemporary Gospel appreciator would appreciate. "I'm Grateful" is another cut that demonstrates the soul power of the group, with Cassie Bonner's high tenor in full flight.

Favorites from the first album ("In All My Years", "Blessing Delayed (But Not Denied)") reappear, reworked with that live concert vibe. Choir power supports the latter.

As evidenced on the DVD version, the capacity crowd at the Livingston Performing Arts Center in Morton, Mississippi quickly catches the vision and the energy of the Bonner Brothers.

It's amazing what a live recording can do for rejuvenation.