New Haven Records has a wonderful group of worshipers on their label, willing and able to give God praise through song. Just as feisty as the children in the battle of Jericho , this troop will be undefeated in lifting up Jesus and in His name, taking back everything from the enemy’s camp that was stolen! Joshua’s Troop is indeed on the next level of praise and radical for Christ. With their new DVD “JT3-Live” recorded in their hometown, Chicago , these 50 plus members are not playing church. This is a serious love for God that cannot be denied! All of the music from beginning to end is enjoyable and full of fast-paced energy; there is no way you can sit still listening to this live expression of praise.

This recording is produced by a well-known multi-talented gospel music man of God—Dove, Grammy and Stellar Award nominee Mr. Percy Gray Jr. Along with his brother Jeral Gray, they are GrayBoyz Productions and they have taken the choir to higher heights.

(Side bar: You if you are wondering where you heard them from, it could be that other anointed youth group New Direction, of Chicago Mass Choir)

No question, the band’s fires burn hot (with Anthony Jawon McEastland as choir director), and the vocals are excellent, but the question is do they minister? And without hesitation not only does it reach all levels of lovers of the gospel music, but it ministers to the soul.

 Joshua's Troop may have members young in age, but they have been in existence for over six years and they're one of the brightest lights in youth choirs in the land. This their third album makes them professional and serious about their goal to reach the world through song. Known to some as the finalists for Contemporary Choir of the Year at the Stellar Awards in 2005 and recently seen on Bobby Jones International Gospel retreat on BET, these amazing kids are showing us how they do it in the windy city.

Joshua's Troop came together a result of a vision birthed by Pastor Clay Evans, founder of the African American Religious Connection (AARC) to put together a group composed of young adults. During the time of Pastor Evan's retirement and Pastor Charles Jenkins’ installation as pastor of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago, the two great men of God were referred to as Moses and Joshua. The name Joshua stuck to Pastor Jenkins, and the choir continued on as his troops —thus the name Joshua's Troop.

With the leadership being youthful themselves spearheading the next generation of Warriors for Christ you cannot go wrong and their musical tribute to The Father is without question sounds of Kingdom Praisers. This DVD is a live demonstration and expression of the Children of God with an outpouring of committed faith, dedication and praise. “Lift up Your Hands All Ye People” and “Everybody Clap Your Hands” are up-tempo. I just cannot sit down when these commanding tunes that simply ask you to bless the name of God with everything you have are playing. But when it comes to worship, true worship with sincerity, “In This Place” and “Just Want to Please You” will take you into the realm of bowing down and reverencing His Majesty.

I’ve always been the one to insist that you can have the CD, but to witness the true connection and be apart of the setting without buying a new outfit, the DVD always works. Overall, this musical compilation of hits from Praise & Worship to the contemporary Gospel chuch (yes, I said chuch) choir sound is an experience that must be passed down. One other great thing I love is that you can clearly understand every word without asking someone, “What did they say?”

Congratulations are overdue to our young people on a job well done in their interpretation of expression and communion with The Father. JT, God is pleased with your sincere praise and what’s due to you has not even begun to reap the overflow.