FamilyFans Music
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Alive in South Africa
Israel & New Breed / Integrity Gospel
Fan Appeal: Teens to adults
This project redefines what I thought possible in a live
worship album. It crosses all stylistic boundaries with something for everyone
including funk, gospel, R&B, rock and world genres, and weaves them together
into a worship experience you will return to again and again. When I first heard
it, it played in my CD player continuously for weeks. I listened to nothing else
as I explored every nook and cranny of this double-disc set.
Everything about this music left me wanting more. The band is
unbelievable and would give even Earth, Wind & Fire a run for the money. The
New Breed singers wail and raise the hairs on my neck. Even the occasional
speaking between songs is tasteful and adds to the overall experience.
The entire album was recorded live over two nights in Cape
Town, South Africa. However, I thought that would have more of an influence on
the project, but the location is mostly incidental.
This project is best listened to all at once, from start to
finish. Otherwise you’ll miss some of the “magic” moments tucked in at the
end of many of the tracks. I found myself having church during my normally
hectic 45 minute commute in Tampa traffic. The energy and the powerful brass
licks in the funky first track “Alive” and the non-stop crescendo of key
changes of “Favor of the Lord” make it hard to sit still. As a matter of
fact, many of the 31 tracks on this project are just plan fun to listen to. I
especially enjoy the interesting reprise treatments to many of the songs. The
momentum never stops.
One of my favorites, “Not Forgotten,” is difficult to
classify (Latin?, African?, with a little Egyptian flavor thrown in for
interest?) but what a joy! Even my eight year-old daughter asks to hear it when
we get into the car which usually results in loud singing and laughing. And,
what a great message: 'I am not forgotten/ I am not forgotten/ I am not
forgotten/ God knows my name/ He knows my name.' Fans of Israel Houghton will
appreciate a few tasteful medleys of well-known worship tunes and a few of his
older original worship pieces.
I highly recommend this two CD set. Clearly, Gospel music
fans and those who enjoy Fred Hammond or Bishop T.D. Jakes will need to get
their hands on this. But those who enjoy energetic praise in the presence of God
will not want to miss this either. I would easily expect to hear several of
these great worship tunes in churches very soon and for a long time to come.
FAMILYFANS RATING: A
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