Spiritual Pieces
Soul Food
The circle has now been completed. Spiritual Pieces gains the
distinction of being the first artist to deliver a sophomore
project for the Tommy Boy Gospel label. If their debut, Wake Up
caused the bleary-eyed to blink twice at the progressive
sounds emanating from the group, this follow-up will make
folks sit bolt upright and run for their coffee. And their Soul Food.
The group makes the
transition from a foursome to a threesome with relative ease, as
Terry Bolen, Fatima Lowe and Al 'Lafons combine for a
package of alternatively laid-back, hip, jazz-throwback vibes,
to house-rattling beat inflections.
And again, the production of Kenny Harris and Dale Harewood
make their mark the CD, as they (with Bolen on occasion) make the tracks. Let's take a look at what's on
this silver platter:
"Yearning" eloquently describes the emptiness that exists without
Christ, echoing an Ecclesiastical theme. "Vanity of vanities" sings Lowe, backed by
sprinkles of light keyboard arpeggios. "Tell Them" slows the pace even more, sharing
the truth about God's love. Make it three slow cuts with "Holy Spirit", as the
'Pieces' break it down to request His presence.
"Real Love" takes an acoustic piano ride, and directly thanks God for his love. It's typical
of what Spiritual Pieces does best: shine through a heavy reliance on
vocal expression.
Elsewhere on the project, Spiritual Pieces take a more-beat influenced angle, with some cuts
working better than other. "Hey Hey (Believe)" relies on a that
retro vibe, with lyrics that the title explains. "Praise On"
serves up a house party groove, with a memorable hook "you can have a party right here tonight, don't worry 'bout nobody,
get your praise on."
"Imperfection" starts with some light scatting by Lowe but
digs deep as it discusses the spiritual battle that we fight
with ourselves a sermon in song.
There are two interludes in the mix, including "Gospel Café", which features
West Coast
radio personality Kevin Nash
who gives a shoutout to "S.P." and provides an inspirational word.
This album is an honest effort in bringing scriptural relevancy to the
fleeting sounds so prevelant on the urban radio dial. No doubt the sound
fits. Soul Food.
Producers: Dale Harewood, Kenny Harris, Terry Bolen
album release date: September 17, 2000 Tommy Boy Gospel
—
reviewed by GospelFlava.com Staff —
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