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  The N.E. X-perience, Vol. 1  Enter Gary Mayes who impacts hugely on this, his debut album titled The N.E. X-perience Vol. 1. Gifted artists show themselves to be wise when they surround themselves with equally talented others, because it creates a situation where the whole is greater than the sum of their parts (see interview with Gary Mayes).Mayes certainly knows where to turn, enlisting the support of Shawn McLemore plus a host of upcoming Houston vocalists and psalmists to bring an album that is sure to make waves in the Gospel community. Mayes is not a vocalist, but rather follows in the footsteps of peers such as fellow Texan Kirk Franklin and also William Becton. He’s an instrumentalist, he writes the songs and produces the album, sometimes throwing in exhortations much like Franklin does. But don’t get it confused, Mayes’ Kirk-esque adlibs are tribute, not bite. This is best shown in the straight up Gospel jam, “He Keeps On”, which Mayes bluntly states is ‘inspired by Kirk Franklin’. Ken Small is on lead vocals, with Nu Era, James Fortune and Fiya tossing out the vocal groove. Newcomer Gene Moore, Jr. lends his pipes to the house music styled, I'll Serve Him". The energy, lyrics and tempo of this song makes it a great aerobics song. Those who like to “get it crunk” will go wild with the hyped “When I Think (Holla Holla)”, a sizzlingly-produced track with N.E. up front and background vocals from, The Fountain of Praise Young Adult Choir. Shawn McLemore lends his chops to the hand clapping, foot stomping “Nu Creature”, a song where Mayes pays hommage to the style of John. P. Kee. The H-Town Fellowship Mass Choir is featured here as well. The sheen of this album is brightest on its heavy dose of slow urban jams and down home Gospel songs. Shield your eyes as Nakkita Clegg (a member of Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers) takes the lead on the encouraging, “He’ll Make a Way”. Clegg, known for her “power singing”, gives a smooth delivery over Rick Marcel’s and Glenn Piper’s lush guitars and Mayes’s smooth track.  Gene Moore showcases his vocals again on “Where Would I Be” and also on the smooth rhythm ‘n praise of “Unconditional Love”. This latter song features the background vocal of both Moore and Nikki Ross. Their voices blend perfectly as they explain that “this world can never understand this love”, in reference to the unconditional love of God.Ross also stops in to lead “Thank You”. Supported by Luke Austin’s excellent keys work, she starting off smooth and jazzy, and then lets her vocals build into a growl that shows her versatility and lets us know that she’s very thankful for everything that God has done for her. Powerful. Pastor Brian Nelson, son of COGIC favorite, Bettye Nelson, leads the intense “We Made It”, which explains that through everything that we as saints have gone through, we’ve made it. With Nelson’s strong vocals, The H-Town Fellowship Mass Choir and the organ of Leon Lewis, you have a song that is an anthem for saints everywhere. While not taking away from the album’s other strong points, perhaps the strongest song on The N.E. Experience Vol. 1 is the vertically-directed “We Worship Thee”. A straight up worship song, it features the melodious leads of Dana Brown and Cedric Ballard, the sweet keyboards Piper and the tight harmonies of N.E. and Strong Souljahs. Warning: if you don’t want to get into God’s presence, don’t listen to this song! This N.E. X-perience is an unforgettable one. Gary Mayes is masterful with both his production skills and as songwriter. Throw in the mixing of C and you have a winner. The album is anointed and I will go out on a limb to say that it’s one of the best albums of 2002. Prepare to be blessed. SoulMuzick — reviewed by Dwayne Lacy —
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