Reviewed by Tom Lennie This is a recent DVD re-issue of a video first released in 2000. The DVD contains not only the majority of the songs from the 'Purpose By Design' album, but also a good seven or eight extra cuts (some taken from the 'Spirit Of David' set). In total, the disc lasts an impressive one hour 50 minutes - and it's music all the way! Recorded live in Las Vagas, this is a pretty hot performance. For starters there's a stream of stomping R&B sounds bursting over with energy and dynamic. At the other extreme, there's some highly delicate, almost whispering moments, such as "Please Don't Pass Me By" and "My Father Was/Is". These tunes fit into a stream of gently-flowing, meditative worship ballads, and they're all pleasing to the ears and heart. The 10-minute "Give Me A Clean Heart", for example, effuses a beautiful, slow-burning passion. After all this comes "The Blood Medley", a medley of songs, old and new, dealing with the blood of Christ who alone can cleanse from sin. Hammond's powerful, soulful baritone voice is magnificent throughout and he's supported by a matching dozen-voiced choir and a tremendously proficient team of musicians. Altogether, this is a truly impressing performance, and it all makes for exciting and spirit-lifting viewing.
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