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 The Movement [Not that there isn't some precedent for the Ohio-based label to go this route —some may remember notables such as Charles Woolfork, vocoder funkster Rufus Troutman (see album review) and vocalist Shadonna (see album review) also released their respective street-gilded vibes on the label.]  Half Mile Home is a four man vocal crew with a history in the R&B arena. Although they began in Gospel, they moved into the R&B arena, known as After The Rain, connecting with artists such as Genuine, Toni, Tony, Tone and Babyface. Heeding the call to return to "give glory to the Lord through music", they have re-named themselves Half Mile Home.On The Movement, Half Mile Home (consisting of Ty Traxx, Weezie, Lil' Bull and Deaken) stun the ear with perfect harmonies, tight lead vocals and urban treads laid over every track. The diversity of vocal textures within the group adds a valued dimension to their sound (listen for the John P. Kee influence!). Traxx produces like a pro, with everyone else adding instrumentation. This group is self-contained. The quatro drops "Do It Again", a phat-blessed jam marked by some nicely rhythmic vocals and a great sense of verbal syncopation. The title is a reference to God's ability to perform miracles even today. Dru Hill's Woody Rock makes a guest appearance on "Still Blessed", a laidback song that addresses issues surrounding the inevitable end of life. Rock returns on the slow jam, "Realist Love", which informs of God's love over un-cheesy bird-chirp samples. Put stars beside "Your Next Move" with it's scriptural resolution of relationship drama, and also the hip hop bop of "Blessing Me" (featuring E-Jay and Dayboo). On "No 1 Knows", Half Mile Home warn of the imminent return of Jesus Christ, setting the joint in motion by synchronizing it to a buttery groove. On "HMH Live", you get a taste of what the group brings in a live setting. With Sharon Turner & Liberty providing vocal support, Half Mile Home impress with their mid-tempo jamming. Also on the album are some cuts you'll no doubt be hearing at the next wedding you attend: "I Wanna Marry You" and "Only At The Wedding" are obvious choices. Both honor the God-ordained marital relationship in slow jam fashion. Don't walk to the store to buy this album. Run as fast as you can. Half Mile Home is the real thing.
Email This To A Friend Marxan Records — reviewed by Stan North —
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