GospelFlava.com - Reviews - Dr. Pat McKinstry, Chris Byrd & Davidic Praise (It's In The Praise)

Dr. Pat McKinstry, Chris Byrd & Davidic Praise
It's In The Praise

Chris Byrd has been given that special gift of creating Gospel music that combines the best elements of both traditional and contemporary. The Ohio-based minstrel is one of the best at reconciling the two worlds into a seamless sound.

Byrd's latest release is It's In The Praise, also featuring Dr. Pat McKinstry and Davidic Praise. At a full 18 tracks, the album is more than generous with an abundance of new material, as Byrd turns his attention to praise and worship.

Byrd is minister of music at Dr. McKinistry’s Upton United Methodist Church in Toledo, Ohio. McKinistry is bold in stating that our praise is a weapon. In that respect, It’s In The Praise is lethal.

There's some fabulous worship cuts on this project. Put immediate stars beside "We Celebrate You", a mid tempo, choir-driven praise with Byrd on vocal lead. "Always and Forever" flows in similar waters. "I Will Always Praise Your Name" strikes gold with Lorna McKinstry on lead, it’s one of those songs that gives you instant access to its snaggy melody.

The tempo increases on "Let's Exalt His Name". The song’s driving groove and pounding bass line pushes the song to a glorious limit. Along with his frequent tenor vocal solo, his keyboard workings, and some occasional spoken exhortation, Byrd also brings the vocoder into play.

The latter portion of the album is compromised of a slow worship set lead by Dr. McKinstry. Songs such as "Worship", "Almighty God" and "Lamb Of God" flow seamlessly one into the other, with Davidic Praise offering up spontaneous worship.

When the album concludes with the pumping “You Are Great”, you know that Chris Byrd and crew are back, and with plenty of praise.

Producer: Chris Byrd album release date: May, 2002
Tyscot / High Praise

— reviewed by Stan North —