Reviewed by Jonathan Priday

Bam Crawford is pastor of Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church in Inglewood, California and Purpose is the musical ministry of her fellowship. Purpose is a 50-piece choir featuring such notables as Jackie Gouche-Farris (minister of music) and Ron Kenoly, and a seven-piece band that includes producer Loris Holland on keyboards, the legendary Abe Laboriel on bass and one-time Prince sideswoman Sheila E on percussion.  Between the songs there are interviews with Pastor Bam, Holland, Gouche-Farris and record company executive Raina Bundy about the background to the choir, the ministry and the songs and with Sheila E about the transformation that has come about since attending the fellowship and accepting Christ.  The music is inspirational gospel with Latin American rhythms and touches of world music thrown in.  All of the songs have grown out of the prophetic worship of the fellowship and so are new to British ears but the immediacy of "Praise And Worship" and "I Am That I Am" and the emotional power of "My Help" - a setting of Psalm 121 - should see many of the songs taken up by a wider audience.  The only downside is some 'interesting' camera work on some of the interviews.

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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