Richard Smallwood - The Praise & Worship Songs Of Richard Smallwood
STYLE: Gospel RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 9271-8988 LABEL: Verity 6537102 FORMAT: CD Album RELEASE DATE: 2003-12-05 RRP: £9.99
Reviewed by Trevor Kirk
They say you learn something new every day and I certainly didn’t know that Richard Smallwood has had a recording career of over 20 years. This CD release offers over 74 minutes of playing time and appears to be a collection of live in concert performances of varying vintages, featuring both Richard’s Singers and the 30-voice gospel choir Vision. Unfortunately, the pre-release copy I have gives no information as to location and personnel taking part, but I’m told that there’ll be a video and DVD along soon, if they haven’t appeared already, and the formula is the tried and tested one: lots of big choir vocals interspersed with some talented soloists and plenty of testifyin’ and church wreckin’ goin’ on (can I get a witness?). This compilation shows that the younger guns of black gospel choir music such as John P Kee and Hezekiah Walker owe a lot to Mr Smallwood; certainly there’s some good music here and worth getting hold of if this sort of stuff is your scene.
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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 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!