Reviewed by Dawne B Stewart

From the rich Mississippi Delta, known as the cradle of the black gospel experience, comes the latest recording from Mississippi Mass Choir on Malaco - one of the biggest labels of southern black gospel. A tight band kicks off, with a head swingin', foot stampin', rousing musical intro - 99 seconds into this musical frenzy, the all too familiar sound of a traditional lead vocalist - made my eyes squint! However, highlights of this album are the guest vocalists. Rev James Moore, Bishop Walter Hawkins and Doug Williams, hear Rev Moore's rasping lead vocals on "Jesus Paid It All" (not too different from the original, until it takes a turn with a passable groove). Retaining his famed '80s sound Walter Hawkins leads "Brand New Life", with a groovy bass line also worth checking out. Plus, there's a great brass section on "He's Coming Back". Lyrically, it's good however for a huge choir, with a huge sound, coming from the well nurtured black gospel home ground, this could be better. Traditional gospel is still very big in the States - so if you're after a slice of The good ole church', then this album is certainly for you.

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