Rev. James Moore Family and Friends: Live from Detroit
On this new Malaco offering, Rev. James Moore delivers one of his strongest projects in years,
with his inimitable vocal style and
Gospel approach hitting all the right buttons one more time.
Returning
again to his hometown of Detroit, Moore unites with longtime production and songwriting
collaborator (and cousin), Rudolph Stanfield Jr., but also invites multiple friends to join him in delivering a fine
treat of traditional Detroit Gospel.
Evident in every aspect of this project is Moore's
absolute devotion to Jesus Christ. His severely debilitating illness in recent years
(due to the ravages of diabetes), have obviously
only served to strengthen his relationship his Lord. His stamina may not be what it
once was, but Moore still has the richness of sound and the beauty of tone that has
made him one of Gospel's most beloved soloists.
One of the most powerful songs is the melodic two-part
"My Relationship". In classic James Moore style, he sounds out the solo line,
ad libbing and frequently speaking to choir and band, bringing them in spontaneously
as the song unfolds. The trio of guesting choirs (New Revelation Singers, Derrick
Milan and Peter's Rock Choir
(see review) and Michael Fletcher & The Michael Fletcher
Chorale) excel
at subtle, diction-super backing vocals, delivered on cue. This song has staying power, with the
melody etching into the memory.
On "Lord You're Faithful", Vanessa Bell Armstrong joins Moore in duet on a marvelous
interpretation 'Great Is Thy Faithfulness'. Their voices blending nicely, the hymn is supported
by gentle keyboard stylings from Stanfield. Moore's "He Will Provide", with backing from the
rising sounds of Benjamin Cone III & Worship, is an uptempo gem that comes
filled with punchy horn highlights.
Other high points on the project include Darius Twyman
(see review) who leads on his own song "Rise Shine",
which rides a groove with Myron Bell's infectious and complex conga work. Tolan
Morgan handles lead on the uptempo "I've Been Made Whole" another jewel. Rudolph Stanfield Sr. makes a rare solo vocal
appearance on the very traditional "I Know The Lord Will Make a Way".
While medical difficulties made the live recording a challenge for Moore, nifty studio work and
overdubs have smoothed out the wrinkles, transforming this project into a 'must' for anyone
who is serious about improving their Gospel collection.
Producer: Rudolph Stanfield Jr.
album release date: March, 2000 Malaco
—
reviewed by Stan North —
All content in GospelFlava © copyright 2000. No
information to be reprinted or re-broadcast from this site without the expressed
written consent of GospelFlava.com. All rights reserved.
|
|