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  Finalé Acts I & II  Founded and directed by Donald Lawrence, the choir began back in 1993 with their A Songwriter's Point of View release —and the choir scene hasn't been the same since. With their unmistakeable fashion sense, on-point delivery, great solo power, memorable songs and overall dramatic impact, The Tri-City Singers have always been endowed with excellence.On their fifth and final outing, Lawrence assembles 10 brand new songs, put together with a loving medley of all of Tri-City's favorites over the years, and spotlighting some special guests amidst it all. The album was recorded live at The Tabernacle in Atlanta in November, 2005. Hard to miss is "The Blessing Of Abraham", the radio single and rousing, joyous opening cut that brings forward the theme of reward for the believer, a topic frequently addressed by Lawrence, and also emphasized elsewhere on the project. Lawrence continues with the mellow and gingerly-flowing "You Are An Heir", a feel-good song that professes grandeur as the choir sings “you are an heir, you are royalty.”  Following is "Giants", an all-choir brassy jam filled with melodic motifs that stick in the memory. The song revs the engine and lets loose, generating much foot-tapping with the single-word hook, "giants". Tri-City use the piece to echo the truth found in the book of Joshua, that "giants do fall" when we bring forth our praise "down come the Jericho walls".After a weighty praise break, Erica McCullough solos on the spirit engulfing praise anthem "God", and Blanche McAllister tears the house down with her rich voice on "These Nails". , a moving song that as Lawrence explains in his spoken intro, is about applying the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to the everyday actions and struggles of our lives. Inspired by a conversation Lawrence had with Bishop T.D. Jakes, it tells a realistic message in soulful fashion. McAllister's vocal dexterity comes to the fore on this gusty single which speaks of how Christ’s crucifixtion nails represent how God holds us back from our own demise when we want to do wrong. Lawrence pulls out The Murrills from within choir ranks to sing "Better", an uptempo groove that serves to anticipate their major label debut later this year. "God Is" features DeWayne Woods on lead vocals, another artist championed by Lawrence and due for the national stage shortly.
Daryl Coley is warmly received as he reprises his part in "When Sunday Comes", and Walter Hawkins satisfies the house with his duet with Lawrence on "Seasons. Also contributing are Karen Clark-Sheard, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Darwin Hobbs (all on "It's Your Time") and LaShun Pace who steps forward on "And Yet I'm Still Saved". Other songs brought back include "O' Peter", "Stranger", "Bless Me", "God's Favor" and "Cast Your Cares" (with LeJuene Thompson). The jamming "Never Seen the Righteous" is given the spotlight, as is "Personal Friend" and "I Am God" featuring Arnetta Murrill-Crooms. For good measure, the Testify remix is included as a bonus track. This is one of those bittersweet moments. As much as this must-have package is appreciated, it's hard to imagine the Gospel scene without The Tri-City Singers. Heave a sigh and go pick this one up.
Email This To A Friend EMI Gospel — reviewed by John Burton and Stan North —
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