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 Brooklyn's Syreeta Thompson has already graced projects from Hezekiah Walker and LFC with her instrument, adding considerable punch to the already hefty band sound the group is reknowned for.  On Gabriel's Praise, she takes a different tack, tones things down a tad, and generates a not-so-quiet, brassy storm in the process. She also fronts most of the songs with her own vocals, working together with Aaron Mason.Understated, urban, melodic jazz is the propellant that fuels the album, with several vocal guests stopping by. After the intro cut, "Raise The Praise", Syreeta puts the mute on the trumpet and steps into "Brought Me Out", a soft groove which features rapper T-Law. With brass interludes all over the place, the song expresses gratitude to God for "bringing us out". On "You Can Make It", Natalie Wilson (director of SOP) drops by, lending her pipes on this extra bumpy, hip-hop encourager that Syreeta uses her trumpet scat skills on. Then on "Victory", featuring Demetrius on rap, the song title is spelled out over a hot, street-edged track and Syreeta's vocals. The title cut, "Gabriel's Praise", features Syreeta with an unmuted, smoothed out trumpet line, before the song moves into vocal territory. It's smooth praise and worship. You can go ahead and slap a few stars beside "Speak To My Heart", a great cover of Donnie McClurkin's hit of years ago. Syreeta brings it up to date, and showcases her skill on the trumpet, with phrasing akin to a vocalist. Other notable moments on the disc are the the hymn medley "Holy, Holy, Holy and Give Thanks", and the upbeat testimonial "My Life". It's always good to add some diversity to your music library. Syreeta helps you make that easy.
Email This To A Friend God's Favor Entertainment — reviewed by Stan North —
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