Ricky Dillard & New G (The 7th Episode... Live in Toronto) - Reviews

Ricky Dillard & New G
DVD: The 7th Episode...Live in Toronto (Limited Deluxe Edition)

The perfect accompaniment to any stellar audio recording is an equally exciting visual presentation. Perhaps no aggregation so expertly combines flawless vocal offerings with creative excitement as Ricky Dillard & New G.

With Dillard's now legendary animated directorial flair and New G's seemingly endless vocal range, it would only seem right that the aggregation would release the DVD of The 7th Episode: Live In Toronto. It's been four years since their last video recording, and The 7th Episode is well worth the wait.

Recorded live at Rhema Christian Center in Toronto, Canada, this visual offering quickly makes one reminiscent of the days where choirs were structured like mass choirs versus today's current ensembles. With over 60 members strong, Dillard and New G manage to present each song with incredible energy and visual uniformity, showing that choral music is very much alive and well.

The DVD begins with a brief documentary on the history of Dillard and New G and delves into Dillard's love for the history of Gospel Music. Following that, the concert, and the fun, begin in earnest.

Dillard and company exhibit their love for God and their love for ministry as passion radiates from every member through every note and every piece of choreography. Be sure to see how it all comes together on incredible cuts such as "Search Me Lord", "Awesome God", and the infectious radio-hit "The Light".

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Dillard gives room for his assistant directors to get in on the fun as Larry Jones does a great job with "Stretch Out Your Hand". Many will be sure to note the incredible energetic direction of assistant director Patrick Riddick who goes to town on "Grateful", as Larry Jones provides lead vocals.

Speaking of lead vocals, watching Nikki Ross perform vocal acrobatics on "I Surrender All" is far more fun than just merely listening to her. Likewise, Evangelist Lillian Lloyd lives up to her name with her evangelically tinged vocals on the Eric McDaniel-penned "One More Chance".

And who can forget the words of exhortation from host pastor, Orin Meikle, whose soft-spoken demeanor gives way to bonafide praise as smooth as an Optimus Prime transformation. It's with no surprise that this transformation led the crowd into the dance filled "Seal It With A Praise".

Whether it's the audio or the visual, The 7th Episode: Live in Toronto is an undeniable hit. This piece is guaranteed to be one from which church choirs glean material for years to come.

[Editor's note: The DVD disc is available, together with the audio disc, on the Limited Deluxe Edition.]

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Technical Production: Dion Cockett album release date: January 2008
NuSpring Records / Animated Entertainment / EMI Gospel

— reviewed by Gerard Bonner —