Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

They say you learn something new every day and I certainly didn’t know that Richard Smallwood has had a recording career of over 20 years. This CD release offers over 74 minutes of playing time and appears to be a collection of live in concert performances of varying vintages, featuring both Richard’s Singers and the 30-voice gospel choir Vision. Unfortunately, the pre-release copy I have gives no information as to location and personnel taking part, but I’m told that there’ll be a video and DVD along soon, if they haven’t appeared already, and the formula is the tried and tested one: lots of big choir vocals interspersed with some talented soloists and plenty of testifyin’ and church wreckin’ goin’ on (can I get a witness?). This compilation shows that the younger guns of black gospel choir music such as John P Kee and Hezekiah Walker owe a lot to Mr Smallwood; certainly there’s some good music here and worth getting hold of if this sort of stuff is your scene.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.