William Rimson & LPC (standing for 'Let Praise Continue') bring that 'old school contemporary' choir vibe to Present Help, their national debut on Aleho International Music.

Rimson was nurtured by Gospel mainstays such as Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, Rev. Charles Nicks and Minister Donald Vails —a fact borne out by the style that he brings to this mass choir praise.

The energy is sky-high, and begins with a rework of James Cleveland's "King Jesus". Broken down into choir parts rearranged by David Minor, the song is classic and features Rimson on lead vocals. Production from David D'Andre Taylor is commendable here and throughout this live-recorded album.

Several soloists stand out on the album's twelve selections. Gina Sullivan-Lacy warbles her soprano into the stratosphere on "Delay Is Not Denial", with keyboard-punctuated replies from LPC. Soprano Meredith Rogers adds to "Great Is The Faithfulness", which Rimson molds into a rousing, mid-tempo choir festival.

LPC shows itself to be equally skilled at interpreting the ballad, as seen on "Give Me A Place To Rest", where the vibe is smooth and prayerful. Likewise "I Need You Lord", with Rimson offering up a delicate lead and LPC resounding in their full-voiced confession. "Personal Praise" is another worshipful masterpiece.

"I Look To The Hills" is one of several songs on the album written by Rimson, and is a choir triumph in all of its vampy and modulating ways. LPC rears back and throws down powerful praise amidst a busy piano backdrop.

Present Help has several other remarkable songs, and that, combined with LPC's powerful deliveries and Rimson's gifts, makes it one of the year's choir album highlights.

Let Praise Continue!


Below are a couple of photos the choir's showcase at GMWA in August 2002 in Detroit: