Review : CHURCH – Songs of soul and inspiration

According to the Press Release, "Church: Songs of Soul & Inspiration is the first in a series of CDs that embrace the musical roots and role of Church in the lives of today’s leading artists. It is a joint venture between UTV Records (a division of Universal Music Enterprises), Tena Clark’s DMI Records and Denyce Grave’s Carmen Productions."

Considering how well–done and inspiring this 2 CD project has turned out, this reviewer can't wait to see the rest of the series! This CD is for the Gospel audience and the masses who would never normally buy, or listen to Gospel music. It is not what you would expect from a Gospel record; but the meaning is there, and the love is there, and the grace is there. This is a record about God, about praise, about message, about meaning, about love, which reflects what comes out of your soul.This is one God is going to be proud of, I can say so.

The listener is blessed with 15 entries on Compact Disc 1, performed by accomplished Christian Afro–American women artists, who love the Lord and sing the songs that have spiritual meaning to them as Christians, which include classic soul & R&B, in Spirit–inspired, Gospel arrangements, complete with a Gospel ensemble, known as the Fire Choir, which also makes a stunning contribution to the entries. An added plus which gives more layers to the songs is that the listener also receives a Disc 2 CD ROM that complements Compact Disc 1, giving an inspirational look at what Gospel music means to the 14 Afro–American female performers, which interconnects with the songs they sing. The combined result is a unique, spiritually uplifting, inspiring project. Each performer recalls the seeds of her musical identity, nurturing family, exacting congregations and the mysterious gift of voice that can only be called divine.

The nicely done CD ROM organizes the performers and their songs into three categories; 'That's What Music is Supposed to Do', 'Singing is My Form of Prayer' and 'You Hear God in This Music'. There is a video to see in each category, with the artists grouped according to what they have to say, which ties in nicely to the song each artist performed, or in the case of Dr. Maya Angelou, her wonderful beginning essay, which sets the mood and attitude of the CD right at the beginning, and the ending reprise, where she leads the Fire Choir in an accapella, old time, Gospel church song, summing up a basic truth about the Lord, and how we need to step out in His Word.

The opening selection of this fine CD, begins fittingly with Dr. Angelou's lovely, expressive reading of her essay, IT'S SACRED: CHURCH, where she eloquently explains her understanding of the connection between God, Church, personal spirituality and Gospel music, which is a great introduction to the songs which follow. There is something special about an author reading his /her writings, especially such a gifted, spiritual person as Dr. Maya Angelou.

Excerpts of the Main points in her essay:
IT'S SACRED; CHURCH
"Everything in God's world is sacred. Trees and toads and little girls' eyes. Grandfather's hands and the murmuring voices of lovers. All Sacred.............................

Everything can be church, and anything can be church. Church was the first public place where I came child to Spirit to Christ. "Suffer little children to come unto me, for such is the kingdom of heaven."– ( Matt. 19:14)

Literally, Church introduced me to my very first friend, Louise and I ...........................

Every time I feel the Spirit, I know I am immersed in the essence of church. That knowledge changes my voice, I speak more softly, and choose my words more carefully, there are more Yes Ma'ams and No Ma'ams, ..............................................

Out of my heart, out of my brain, more thank you's slide across my tongue. I'm blessed; I'm in Church.(Matt: 12:34–B. Galations 5:22)

....................The breadth and depth and width and height of church cannot be defined. But church can define me always; it slides the skin over my muscles and allows my lungs to inspirate and fill...so that Hallelujah like rain comes from my mouth...................................

Church is where I want to go when I want a certain fulfillment and church is where I don't have to go, because it is always with me, holding me up, propelling me forward, sustaining me. ..................I am reminded that everything in God's world is sacred.

(She sings): Every time I feel the Spirit, moving in my heart, I will pray.....
(Dr. Maya Angelou is a Christian lady of many talents, being a well–known, very gifted author, poet, college professor in North Carolina, who is quite capable of expressing her faith in song as well.)

The soulful fervour staretd by Dr.Maya Angelou is carried forward in the next gospels to come by yet other famous christian singers like Jennifer Holliday,Patti Labelle,Nnema Freelon,Dionne Warwick,Stephanie Mills,En Vogue,Denyce Graves,Chaka Khan,Patti Austin,Pastor Shirley Caesar and Anne Nesby.

The ending song of the CD, entitled REPRISE, fittingly sums up the conclusion, with Dr. Angelou singing a short, traditional, rhythmic Gospel song, affirming the importance of trusting the Lord in our lives, and step out in Christian faith on the Lord's promises and love. She sings all by herself with no accompaniment the first verse, and the Fire Choir joins her for a repeat, clapping and stomping the beat, singing accapella.

This is a rousing way to celebrate the good news of Jesus, through the wonderful Gospel music genre, as the song builds in harmonies, enthusiasm, spirit and sound level, catching the faith, spirit –filled group performance of the Fire Choir.

Lyrical Samples:

You said call on My name, and I'm calling, You said trust on my Word, and I'm trusting, You said lean on your arm and I'm leaning, steppin' out on your word. You said You would be my protection, Honor and glory, my Savior, Beautiful Rose of Sharon, steppin' out on your word.

So in all, its a must have collection for all those who already listen to gospel but more so who haven't heard yet as its guaranteed that after this album, you'll never look back.