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  Live in Los Angeles Faithful Central Bible Church located in the city served as the recording venue for Crawford's fifth and latest recording— and her first on JDI Records. Titled Live from Los Angeles, this Stellar and Grammy nominated artist's highly anticipated 12-track project effortlessly combines her familiar traditional sounds to the modern musical sensibilitites of today.  The Gainesville, Florida native pounces and then absolutely roars from the onset with "Lion of Judah". Jubilant and full of celebratory praise, this song vehemently exclaims God's sovereignty and is likely to echo in morning worship services across the country with its uncomplicated lyrics and edgy beats.After this praise has been lifted, Crawford expounds on the fact that if the Lord never does anything else, "He's Done Enough," written by Tim 'Bishop' Brown. The song, brought forward from Brown's own project from the early 1990's, is reminiscent of Crawford's traditional gospel roots with Dr. Bobby Jones and New Life. Tinkering with our memories to recall all the great things God has done in our lives, it encourages us to earnestly thank Him merely for those many blessings. "I'm Still Standing" is simply supreme, as it's all about the fortitude to remain steadfast. Written by the talented Kevin Bond, sharp vocals and triumphant musicality make this a blazing track. Bond also goes as far as to succinctly blend in Donnie McClurkin's "Stand" towards the song's latter bars to raise the level of brilliance. On Live from Los Angeles Crawford also enlists the support of some of Gospel powerhouses. "God Has Been Good To Me" brings in choir master Ricky Dillard, making for a dynamic duo on this up-tempo selection of personal testimony concerning God's goodness.  In "We Need To Hear A Word" we are treated to special appearance of not only the famed Edwin Hawkins but also Crawford's son Todd Crawford, Jr. This stirring number tells of the despairing current issues of life and serves as a tribute to those massacred at Virginia Tech University. The touching ballad is an outcry to the nation and to the Lord, for we are in dire need of His help. Young Crawford's vocals were unexpected and outstanding. In much the same way that Karen Clark-Sheard presented Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, we will without a doubt hear from Todd Crawford Jr. in the coming years.Moses "Mr. Organ" Tyson, Jr.'s artistry on keys, fused with Crawford's rich vocals, should also not go overlooked. This alliance ignites dynamite on "I Owe Everything to Jesus". The pairing is not only complimentary on a musical standpoint but makes for a captivating embrace of worship and thanksgiving in this song that depicts our indebtedness to God. Other standouts include "I Know Too Much" and "Victory Comes", both of which will more than satisfy fans of the traditional genre. These robust selections are weighty with spiritual substance to be gleaned for years to come. Crawford serenely concludes this blessed offering with musical nuptials of "I Bless Your Name" and the lauded "Praise Jehovah", a re-do of her hit from years gone by. Both written by Vernon Chappell, they are melted together here to make for a transcendent worship experience. Beverly Crawford lengthens her musical legacy with another exemplary expression of worship, praise and thanksgiving. After a 4-year absence, Crawford's Live in Los Angeles is well worth the wait.
Email This To A Friend JDI Records — reviewed by John Burton Jr. —
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