Reviewed by David Faulkner

Growing up as I did in a multi-racial church, our youth group made regular pilgrimages to the Hammy Odeon whenever Andrae Crouch And The Disciples toured. Hearing this CD affords me the chance to compare the '90s state of the art with that of the '70s. Like Crouch, this live recording is definitely 'church', not 'concert'. Unlike Crouch, there are less crossovers with urban grooves (excepting the raps on "The Invitation"). Also, the 'Live' tag shows through less than one might expect: applause is distant in the mix, and tracks fade just when some interesting improv is beginning. After four opening tracks that vocally are solely choral ("I Will Bless The Lord" could be adapted for a congregation), the recording takes off when the soloists enter. Walker is first on "Teach Me", but others such as Stayze Burnett on "Sho'Nuff" deserve notice, too. Lyrics largely reflect evangelical individualism and the music is mostly conservative. Nevertheless this exudes class, and I intend the leadership of 'Encounter', a Ron Kenoly-style band I oversee here in Medway, to get early opportunity to hear how it should be done.