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 Piano Prophet In addition to several great originals on this project, Tankard also serves up some great covers —something he has achieved a reputation for excelling at.  Lionel Richie's "Jesus Is Love" is brought back, with Shirley Murdock torching the vocals. Making it extra special is the fact that Fred Hammond drops by to add his bass skills, and Ray Bady sits down with the drum kit.Add a harmony-infused interpretation of Earth, Wind & Fire's smash inspirational jam "Head To The Sky" (a perennial favorite for Gospel artists to dig into), and you've got just the right touch of familiarity to the project. Tankard introduces talented vocalist Shell Massey to the masses on this song. Hammond and Bady appear again on "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now", with the buttery voice of Murdock again gracing the groove, as she interlaces her vocals into the instrumentation. Tankard then satisfies those aching for his light-keys jazz touch on instrumentals such as the title track "Piano Prophet" and the much more slow-paced "Touch And Agree". On both, saxman Merlin Devine enhances the vibe with his tender stylings, and on the title track, guitarist Tim Bowman adds his work to the groove. Other originals include "Lil' Ole Church", "Positive Change" and the quiet storm, bass-driven flow of "Keepmovinon", all three of which are penned by Tankard and his wife, Jewel. "Bible Keys" is a straight-up gorgeous solo piano meander, reflective and yet lively. The album closes with instrumental-only versions of the "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" and "Jesus Is Love". It's been fifteen years since Ben Tankard appeard on the scene with his ground-breaking Keynote Speaker project. There's been plenty of Gospel jazz since then, but it's good to know that one of the genre's innovator's is still going strong.
Email This To A Friend Verity Records — reviewed by Stan North —
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