Rev James Moore And The Mississippi Mass Choir - Live At Jackson State University

Saturday 1st April 1995
Rev James Moore And The Mississippi Mass Choir - Live At Jackson State University

STYLE: Gospel
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 18127-CAS2477
LABEL: Malaco 6018
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Andy Charalambous

There are some combinations between artist and choir that you cannot simply ignore. The Rev James Moore And The Mississippi Mass Choir is one of those combinations. Over the past couple of years Moore has gradually taken over the mantle as the vocal heavyweight of black gospel from the late Thomas Whitfield, where his ability to swoon an audience with some virtuoso singing is exemplified with this latest offering. Backed up with one of the best choirs in the business you cannot go wrong as the MMC move from song to song with grace in abundance, bringing out the best in Moore's co-production with Jerry Mannery. Depending on what mood you're in, there is a song that's bound to please. The opening track "Lift Him Up" sets the scene with the MMC heavily featured and certainly flourishing with some excellent vocal work. However, what really caught the ear more than anything else was the playing of Moore's bass man Andrew Gouche. For me, his playing throughout the entire album was the highlight where his contribution certainly brought out the best in Moore's arrangements with the choir and the other musicians with some seering riffs. An outstanding project that deserves investigation on import - or wait for Alliance to make it available into the bookshops.

Also reviewed in CR32:
No pussy footing around here! Right from the opening number "Lift Him Up" the thermometer goes right through the roof, apparently taking the assembled company with it. Mind you, Rev Moore can certainly pour out his soul all over a smooth ballad like "He That Dwelleth". With the choir's cascading chords behind him and urging him on, it's a mighty, mighty sound. Even does a spot of oldtime preaching mid-song to make sure he is really ramming the message home. As usual with Malaco recordings you can count on a powerhouse band and listen out for some gigantic sax sounds from Donald Hayes. In many ways a typical recording of its kind, but performed to such a high standard as to make it well worth purchasing. Must have been hot in the second row!
8
Tony May

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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