Bishop Paul S. Morton (Still Standing) - Reviews

Bishop Paul S. Morton
Still Standing

“We wanted to come back home to do this project, because, I know God has been good to New Orleans. There are a lot of things that are not back, but I’m glad church is back!”

—Bishop Paul S. Morton

You can always count on Bishop Paul S. Morton to bring you church —whether that be in a building, on disc, or wherever else. He’s been doing that for decades, and isn’t about to let anything stop him from continuing. Not even a hurricane.

With producer Kurt Carr guiding the way, Morton records his latest project, Still Standing, live at Greater St. Stephens in New Orleans, at the church where he began pastoring back in 1972. Joined by a roster of family, and the combined Greater St. Stephen Atlanta Choir (from the church where the Bishop set up a church after Hurricane Katrina) and Greater St. Stephen New Orleans Choir, Morton is in fine form, his instantly recognizable vocal style dominating from start to finish.

“I’m Still Standing” is the album’s lead single, and the Bishop’s theme song. Referencing the promises of the Jesus Christ (on which we stand), Morton uses the powerfully triumphant Carr-penned composition to testify that we are more than conquerors in Jesus Christ, trusting in His Word come what may. Choir and brass help to boost the piece’s intensity.

Continuing the theme, Morton testifies that he’s “been through a storm, but I survived it” on “Oh Hallelujah (It’s Over Now)”. With Carr’s signature sound imprinted on the song, Morton brings in his daughter Jasmine Morton-Ross to join him at the mic.

The family connection continues with “If It Wasn’t For Your Grace”, when Morton’s older sibling, Bishop James H. Morton of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia, trades lines.

Still Standing

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Two outstanding medleys mark the project. On “The Holy Medley”, Carr arranges three hits into a mélange that emphasizes God’s holy character. The Michael W. Smith smash “Agnus Dei” is combined with the Integrity praise chorus “Bow Down” and then finishes with the Walter Hawkins classic “Holy One”, which is capped with the entry of Tramaine Hawkins who brings down the house with her guest vocals.

Then, on “The Cross and The Blood Medley”, Morton works a vocal wonder with his sister, Gwen Morton. The song combines two Thomas Whitfield hits, “Down At The Cross” and “Nothing But The Blood”, and is especially poignant considering that Gwen was Whitfield’s fiancé when the Gospel legend passed away to Glory in 1986.

Also noteworthy on the album is the upbeat Rudolph Stanfield composition “We Made It”, and the concluding “We’re Blessed”, which closes out the project in celebratory style.

Still Standing is a tribute to God’s faithfulness, not only to those in New Orleans, but to His people around the globe.

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Production: Kurt Carr album release date: November 7, 2006
Light Records / Tehillah Music Group

— reviewed by Stan North —