Reviewed by Ian Homer

This Nashville-based ensemble were previously known as Next Level. 'Hymns & Devotionals Unplugged' opens with a rip-roaring, hand-clapping, Hammond organ gospel extravaganza of a medley which sets the scene for what is to come. The collection of songs - nearly all of them well known standards from the genre - is arranged by past master of the art and leader Nate Bean who said the album is the fulfilment of a promise he made to God: "It is my mission to be effective and allow people to feel God and his love through our music. This project is my personal version of our generation's hymn book. Old meets the new and new meets the old. This project is for everyone. And I'm glad the world gets to hear it." The second track is a theatrical breakdown of "Living He Loved Me, Dying He Saved Me" which then segues into a faster rendition of the same. Bean (I'll avoid the title Mr for obvious reasons) is more than happy to throw the solo mic to a couple of notable soloists - sopranos Tammy Taylor and Lakesha Mitchell. "Oh How I Love Jesus Because He First Loved Me" is a laid back affair - more lounge room than auditorium, but welcome, which slips seamlessly into tracks seven and eight, becoming ever more stately. The final track, the album's one original, "Tribute" has a synth drum backing that has some splash to it which works well to underpin the many layered, sumptuous harmonies with Lakesha Mitchell soloing over the top in homage to her mother. If you like traditional gospel with a contemporary twist delivered by a top rate collection of singers and musicians then this is one to check out.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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