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 The Remix Dr. Charles G. Hayes Going on strong for more than four decades now (and 30 albums), Dr. Charles G. Hayes & the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir (aka The Warriors) re-invent themselves, sort of, on The Remix, their debut for ICEE Inspirational. As mainstays in the field of traditional choir music, the Chicago fixtures look to producer Percy Bady (along with DeAndre Patterson,  Darius Brooks and Adrienne B. King) and the brassy sounds of Lloyd Barry and his horn crew to bring a newness to some of their most popular songs over the past few decades.All ears are fixated on "Jesus Can Work It Out", an oft-covered gem written by George Jordan. Diane Williams takes the mic on this version, adding her popular, gritty vocals to a slammin' band session that finds that tenuous balance between urban dance and Sunday morning. The song has proven to be devasting to radio phone lines. On "Keep Looking Up", the choir is joined by crew that includes Richard Gibbs (organ), Calvin Rogers (drums), Ray Bady (drum programming), Derrick Buckingham (guitar) and Donald Alfred Jr. (bass). The melody is strong even amidst the migration to today's sound. Dr. Hayes himself leads on the updated traditional drive, "He Laid His Hands On Me", his distinctively compelling gravel tones nicely mixing with the piano power (Rodney East, Edward Winston) of the cut. On "He'll Take of You", it's all Warriors, as the choir takes it home on an arrangement from DeAndre Patterson. On the more laidback vibe, Darius Brooks' "Love You So", lead by Gaye Hill, is notable. The praise and worship approach of the lyrics, combined with the choir's power make the song unforgettable. Strings nestle "He's Calling You" into a tender niche. There's lots more on this disc to commend it to your collection, including V. Michael McKay's "All In His Hands" and Lavelle Lacy's "Jesus Is Mine". You may never have guessed that Father Hayes would sound so good remixed. The Remix does.
Email This To A Friend ICEE Inspirational — reviewed by Stan North —
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