 
  
  
 
Spiritual Pieces
 Soul Food
   
The circle has now been completed.  Spiritual Pieces gains the 
distinction of being the first artist to deliver a sophomore 
project for the Tommy Boy Gospel label. If their debut, Wake Up  
caused the bleary-eyed to blink twice at the progressive 
sounds emanating from the group, this follow-up will make
 folks sit bolt upright and run for their coffee.  And their Soul Food.
   
  The group makes the 
transition from a foursome to a threesome with relative ease, as 
Terry Bolen, Fatima Lowe and Al 'Lafons combine for a
 package of alternatively laid-back, hip, jazz-throwback vibes, 
to house-rattling beat inflections.
  
And again, the production of Kenny Harris and Dale Harewood 
make their mark the CD, as they (with Bolen on occasion) make the tracks.  Let's take a look at what's on 
this silver platter:
  
"Yearning" eloquently describes the emptiness that exists without 
Christ, echoing an Ecclesiastical theme. "Vanity of vanities" sings Lowe, backed by 
sprinkles of light keyboard arpeggios.  "Tell Them" slows the pace even more, sharing 
the truth about God's love.  Make it three slow cuts with "Holy Spirit", as the 
'Pieces' break it down to request His presence.
  
"Real Love" takes an acoustic piano ride, and directly thanks God for his love.  It's typical 
of what Spiritual Pieces does best:  shine through a heavy reliance on 
vocal expression.
  
 Elsewhere on the project, Spiritual Pieces take a more-beat influenced angle, with some cuts 
working better than other.  "Hey Hey (Believe)" relies on a that 
retro vibe, with lyrics that the title explains.  "Praise On" 
serves up a house party groove, with a memorable hook "you can have a party right here tonight, don't worry 'bout nobody, 
get your praise on."
     
"Imperfection" starts with some light scatting by Lowe but 
digs deep as it discusses the spiritual battle that we fight
 with ourselves a sermon in song.
   
There are two interludes in the mix, including "Gospel Café", which features 
West Coast 
radio personality Kevin Nash 
who gives a shoutout to "S.P." and provides an inspirational word.
  
This album is an honest effort in bringing scriptural relevancy to the 
fleeting sounds so prevelant on the urban radio dial.  No doubt the sound
 fits.  Soul Food.
 
  
 Producers: Dale Harewood, Kenny Harris, Terry Bolen
album release date:  September 17, 2000 Tommy Boy Gospel
  
—
reviewed by GospelFlava.com Staff — 
 
 
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