Richard Smallwood - The Praise & Worship Songs Of Richard Smallwood

Wednesday 1st September 2004
Richard Smallwood - The Praise & Worship Songs Of Richard Smallwood
Richard Smallwood - The Praise & Worship Songs Of Richard Smallwood
DVD

STYLE: Gospel
RATING 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 9608-DVD29
LABEL: Verity 828765386296
FORMAT: DVD Music video
RELEASE DATE: 2003-12-05
RRP: £9.99

Reviewed by Simon Eden

To the forefront of an orchestral strings ensemble fly a host of angelic contemporary ballet dancers, followed by a choral assembly backed by a contemporary band, only to be followed by the unassuming Mozart of Traditional Gospel who is Richard Smallwood. This is American razzmatazz mixed with the humility of church ministry, wrapped up in the packaging of classic Pentecostal Gospel. Even the audience played their part with the fashion parade of massive colourful hats that would put Ascot to shame. This is a collection of some of the best songs such as "Angels" and "My Everything" as written and arranged by a Lionel Ritchie look-alike with a peculiar taste in metallic purple or electric blue suits, as performed to three exclusively black American churches, in Washington DC, Atlanta, and Detroit. For much of the time, Smallwood acts as conductor to his spectacle, with momentary control of the microphone, and much of the time playing an imposing grand piano with jazzy finesse. The vocal soloists each had enough power to compete with a foghorn, and enough exuberant energy to power Manhattan on a cold day, but didn't maintain it. The concert opens and closes with a blast, but is calmer in between such that I was dancing along at first only to be falling asleep later. The word "praise" is mentioned five times in the titles of 14 tracks which basically sums things up.

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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Product Description
Those of you who are familiar with Richard Smallwood's works will have already reached for the order page to pick up this special compilation.
Newcomers, you will be happy to know that you've found another gem artist.Richard Smallwood is arguably one of the greatest hymnody and gospel songwriters of all time.
Many of his great and recent hits are here '(Jesus) Centre of My Joy, My Everything', and the fantastic 'Total Praise'. Can it be said again that this is another 'must buy'? Yes, absolutely!

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