Search - Various Artists :: House of Gospel Anthology: 2000's 1

Among the tracks on the project are two rousing, old school quartet numbers. Grand rapid, MI's favorite female trio, RiZen, supplies the pulsating "View the City" while Virginia-based radio host, Earl Bynum keeps the fire going with "Wonderful." Bishop Paul Morton, who maintains lively churches in both Atlanta and New Orleans, supplies two dramatic ballads for the project. The first is "Let it Rain" which took on a new dimension of relevance after his New Orleans church was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The other tune is the poignant "Seasons Change" that features Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Choir music flourishes on the project as well. Connecticut's J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise provide a churchy sing-a-long with their "Awesome God." Another infectious congregational tune is Houston-based Gary Maye's "Nu Creature." Although, she's a soloist, Dove nominee Stephanie Dotson gives a percolating choir-styled performance on "Give Him Glory." The Louisiana State Mass Choir's "His Name is Jesus" packs a similar punch while the G.M.W.A. National Mass Choir's rousing "Your Testimony Starts with a Test" reminds us that life won't always be easy; but that God will always take care of us. Legendary gospel belter Shirley Caesar offers up a jazzy, pseudo-dance track "The Debt I Owe" from the first CD on her own Shu-Bel Records label. Relative newcomer, Benita Washington, shines on the smooth ballad, "Hold On." Showing just how much gospel has grown and evolved over the last century, the thinking man's gospel singer, Christopher Lewis' neo-soul ballad "Delivered" is as poetic as it is revelatory. Then, harking back to the traditional style of Mahalia Jackson, public school teacher Vanessa Williams sings "All My Help" in the style of a stripped-down piano hymn. It's all a great introduction to the music that is being shaped by and influencing this new and exciting era in world history.