Following up a chart-topping debut is never easy. The Heritage Christian Center Mass Choir makes it sound that way, though (listen to audio)

Comprised of 12 choir-powered cuts, Bishop Dennis Leonard again showcases his church choir to the nation, bringing a diverse mix of sounds and vibe to their live-recorded sophomore project, reflective of the multicultural congregation that he pastors.

Everybody Ought To Know, released on the church's own record label, features lots of old time, foot-stomping tunes like "Look Where He's Brought Me From" (with guest Valerie Boyd delivering powerful vocals and then some) and "Feel the Revival".

Sung with an evident passion and enthusiasm, the choir make you realize that this style of Gospel will simply never go out of style.

Also guesting on the album is Malaco's Christopher Brinson (see album review), who steps in with singer/songwriter (and Minister of Music and album producer) Jarion Hamm Sr. on the jammin' title track. Together, the two vocalists add sparkle to the already-sparkling cut, and make it memorable with close-harmony testifying. Organ from Maurice Rodgers and driving rhythms propel the song.

Brinson's work on the Tim Pedigo-penned "Lord You're Worthy" also comes to the fore,

The Twila Paris classic "Lamb of God" is given a churchy lift with a punchy lead vocal from Maurice Lauchner. Hamm adds some lyrics to Michael Farron's "Let It Rain" (called "Rain on Me" here) that was made popular on Michael W. Smith's Worship project.

"It's Coming to Me" brings in the well known voice of Alvin Fruga, who sings over a brassy, Carribean-feel band backdrop. Fruga also works his vocals into the Latin-powered "If You're Happy". Then El Trio De Hoy take that musical theme much further on the Spanish lyrics and guitars on the praise festival, "El Evento".

Mark this project as an album not to be missed, with several gems in addition to those already mentioned (including the songwriting of Jonathan Alvarado and Toni Alvarado of Total Grace Christian Center in Decatur, Georgia who write "Sing A Song").

The companion DVD to the album is beautifully filmed, following the live concert from song to song, and bringing the various players on the project right into your living room, including capacity crowd, inspired staging and lighting. It's a live church concert in your own home.

We'll go ahead and say it. Everybody ought to know about Everybody Ought To Know.



Two song snips from Heritage Christian Center Mass Choir CD are available as RealAudio downloads. If you don't have RealAudio, be sure to obtain your free RealAudio player software first, by clicking on the blue RealAudio icon on the right.

To download the song snips, simply click on the highlighted text below, let stream on RealAudio, and enjoy.

• "Everybody Ought To Know"
  
  
• "Feel The Revival"