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 Reaching The Nations  With a heart for global evangelism, this youth-laden aggregation has produced several hits over the years while presenting songs with long-reaching impact. Recorded live at Purdue University and North Park College, the new project showcases Soul Children's formula for success while presenting a flair for familiarity.Whitman utilizes his hometown resources, enlisting the assistance of several of Chicago's top artists and writers to contribute this effort. Whitman covers "Lift Him Up" and "Help Me", originally found on Vashawn Mitchell's debut project Believe In Your Dreams (see album review). DeAndre Patterson then takes the reins on lead vocals for the praise-infused "Show Up", asking the Lord to make His presence known in all situations. The Soul Children masterfully supports Patterson, maximizing their youthful energy and avoiding musical pratfalls that can so often plague youth choirs. Chi-town is well represented musically as Rick Robinson (keyboard) and guitar-extraordinaire Joey Woolfalk (lead guitar) lend their efforts to Whitman's blazing band. The Soul Children showcase their versatility, stepping outside the box of traditional Gospel choral presentations. The a cappella presentation of "He's Alive" is an instant classic as the choir phrases the opening stanzas of the song after Beethoven's 5th Symphony. Putting voices to that classical mainstay is worth the cost of the album alone. Penned by Michael Mindingall, this song is an unequivocal keeper!  Whitman brings a patriotic flair to the recording as he blends two national hymns: "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America". His arrangements here rival any other presentation of these songs you may have heard, and evoke patriotic emotions in anyone whose heart beats strongly for the USA.An anniversary-themed project such as this would not be complete without the Soul Children reviving their hit, "Shabach". The live version of this track continues with the same fire found when they first released that song nearly ten years ago, proving that these children can rock the house at any point and time. It's been quite a while since we've heard from Whitman and the crew and this album was definitely worth the wait. With diversity and universal appeal, Whitman's Soul Children remain cemented as a Gospel mainstay, and yes, are poised to "Reach The Nations".
Email This To A Friend independent — reviewed by Gerard Bonner —
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