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  Journey: Live in New York With rich musical history steeped in classical music theory, Smallwood has served as an innovator in the music industry for nearly 25 years, comfortably fusing the Gospel with the great musical form founded in Europe so many centuries ago.  The iconic personality returns to the game with arguably his most prolific body of work, Journey: Live In New York. With this double-disc set, Smallwood presents a virtual musical biography of his work, celebrating his journey with several of the industry’s most well known vocalists.The famed Al “The Bishop” Hobbs lends his towering voice as the narrative backdrop for “Introduction (His-Story)”, the story of Smallwood’s stellar ascension to the top of his field. This musical history lesson provides incredible insight into the far-reaching influence of Smallwood, with a medley of previous hits such as “Anthem of Praise” and “Total Praise” serving as the soundtrack. Joining Smallwood throughout the album are several of the original Smallwood Singers on “Holy Holy” and “He Won’t Leave You”. Janice Chandler-Eteme lends her operatic splendor to the worship-filled “We Worship You”. Guest vocalists line up to bless this effort and none disappoint. The legendary Chaka Khan makes her presence felt on “Precious is Your Name”, even vocally covering her own wildly popular hit “Ain’t Nobody”, on this mid-tempo groove. The renowned Hawkins Family, featuring Bishop Walter Hawkins, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Edwin Hawkins, and Lynette Hawkins-Stephens leave their imprint on the Smallwood-penned “We’ve Come Too Far”, which deserves a double play.
The incredible vocal all-star lineup shines the spotlight on Smallwood’s unique gifting as a songwriter, and he allows these new gems to gain life through these artists. Smallwood’s current vocal aggregation Vision is by no means left out of the fray, as they shine on the inspiring “All The Glory”, the leadoff track of the album’s second disk. Perhaps no single song encapsulates Smallwood’s diversity, as the track fuses distinctly classical offerings with modern gospel styling in traditional Smallwood fashion, leading to a wonderfully infectious vamp that will keep you grooving for a good minute. Every Smallwood fan knows that no album would be complete without a focus on his instrumentation. The album concludes with a piano solo titled “Dedication to Mom: I’d Rather Have Jesus” in honor of his late mother, Mabel Ruth Smallwood. Add enhanced video and three bonus instrumental tracks and you really do have a masterpiece on your hands. The eleventh album for Smallwood is indeed a piece of living history that will impact for years to come. It’s a must-add to any music purist’s library, serving as the ideal soundtrack for life’s Journey.
Email This To A Friend Verity Records — reviewed by Gerard Bonner —
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