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  Exalted  Choir director and front man James "JJ" Hairston puts the tight vocal assembly through their paces, with the choir's in-pocket band laying down the instrumental backdrop.Recorded at Baltimore's Church of the Redeemed of the Lord, the choir-lovers' entry brings in guest shots from a range of names, including Dr. Judith Christie-McAllister, Ted Winn (of Ted & Sheri), Jordan Martin, Timiney Figueroa Caton and Steve Lawrence. The renowned Gloria White (Hairston's mother-in-law) steps in for a glorious entry on the traditional "Satisfied". Hits abound. "We Worship You" combines dance rhythms and an up-tempo praise music swing with old-fashioned foot-stomping, hand-clapping church rhythms. On "Glory and Honor", praise and worship leader Christie-McAllister leads the choir in a mid-tempo anthemic exhortation, a song built around almost tribal percussive elements. The song leads into the gentler "He Is Exalted / Give You Praise", in which the Twila Paris hit chorus is given a delicate gospel treatment before an original reprised written by Hairston is woven into the composition. Mo Horns' brass work abounds and makes rich the musical landscape of the entire project.
"Your Everything" brings a CCM flavor to the proceedings, highlighted by vocals from Jordan Martin. "Sincerity" is a brassy song written jointly by Hairston and NY innovator Leon Lacey. Thick vintage R&B grooves are the foundation of "Freedom". David Caton pens "I Will Give You The Praise" which features wife Timiney Figueroa Caton and Steve Lawrence on the lead. Hairston exhibits his development as a songwriter on "Everything Is Changed", which is certain to be the choir's next breakout hit. Other notable moments on the disc include "Wonderful God" with Ted Winn out front, and the closing "We Worship You" with its infectious call and response. Youthful Praise continues to break new ground with Exalted, bringing praise and worship music into the repertoire of choirs, and creating plenty of excitement for choir fans everywhere.  Listen to the audio provided below. Audio tracks are available in RealAudio format (click logo below to listen.  )
Email This To A Friend Evidence Gospel / Light Records — reviewed by Stan North and Melanie Clark —
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Check out the live recording of Youthful Praise's Exalted project, in images.