Judith Christie McAllister - In His Presence Live!
STYLE: Gospel RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 29165-12949 LABEL: Artemis Gospel FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RRP: £10.00
Reviewed by Andy Cooper
Judith McAllister is well known for her work with West Angeles COGIC choir, but this is her third solo album, and what a belter it is. Returning to performing after major back surgery, she is full of adoration and praise for our God who heals miraculously. So she sings with power and authority, her voice sounding strong and incredibly able: check out the deeply funky closing song, "Rain!" Her band is large, including brass, multiple keyboards, multiple percussion and about eight backing vocalists. So the sound is intense, dynamic and exciting, the musicians really set free to play their hearts out! They change styles frequently yet naturally, even drawing on calypso and reggae influences. Judith has written and arranged many of the songs herself, and they have a strong worship emphasis with many lyrics taken directly from the Psalms, encouraging the listeners to praise God with their whole being: "We dance before you/Your saints applaud you/We sing your praises." There's nothing particularly innovative about this album in terms of style but it is a near faultless example of how inspiring and uplifting live gospel music can be.
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