On the heels of her Stellar award winning solo debut project, Dorinda Clark-Cole keeps the fire going with the release of her concert VHS/DVD, aptly titled Live.

The video accompaniment to her debut project was recorded the day after the 2003 Stellar Awards, where she walked away with two statues and tons of critical acclaim. On paper, this event can't disappoint. In reality, it blows you away.

Staged at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, the project begins with a forward from host pastor, Bishop Eddie Long. Following this exaltation, Clark-Cole takes the stage in grand fashion with the rockin' cut "If It Had Not Been For The Lord". Naturally, Clark-Cole doesn't come alone as she is accompanied by The Eastern Michigan Mass Choir (directed by Devin Gough). In addition to the choir, she has a stellar aggregation of background singers, which include her niece, Kierra Sheard. And if that's not enough, throw in a five-piece band lead by the project's producer Alex Asaph Ward, and you've got an awesome concert to behold.

You must be warned that you're not going to get all 14 cuts that the audio recording offers. However, what you do get greatly makes up for that.

"No Not One", penned by Twinkie Clark and J. Moss, gets the royal treatment as Clark-Cole and company do the song poetic justice. During this song, be sure to look out for Clark-Cole's impression of her mother, the irreplaceable Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. She gives us a peak into what a vocal battle between the two would be like. It's definitely a special piece of the project.

Album Review

Few will argue that Dorinda Clark-Cole has one of the most distinctive and creative voices in Gospel. With her high register rasp, the full force of her glorious pipes is unleased on this, her solo debut.... Link to: Full CD Review

"You Can't Hurry God" is the churchy cut on the project and features Clark-Cole and her praise dancers lead by choreographer Ryan Baker. The dance troupe gets a real workout as this song and stays in high energy mode for a solid fifteen minutes. During this cut, Clark-Cole gives the lead to Kierra Sheard who shows that she's ready to carry the Clark dynasty to a new generation. We even get to see Sheard and her aunt work together vocally. It's a must see.

Without question, the gem of the album is the heart-tugging song "I'm Still Here". Clark-Cole prefaces this song with her personal testimony of her failed suicide attempt. This powerful song ministers to the broken-hearted and the survivors. Clark-Cole proceeds to minister and even prophesy during this song to the other Gospel artists in attendance. This leads into the old hymnal "Tis' So Sweet", sung as only Clark-Cole can render. The concert ends with the hit "I'm Coming Out".

As you've come to expect, no DVD would be complete without extras and this one delivers. You can go behind the scenes with Clark-Cole and her sisters as they prepare for the live concert. You can see Clark-Cole choosing outfits and makeup. The weekend of the recording also featured a Celebrity Basketball Game and excerpts from the game are featured on the DVD. Who knew that Bishop Eddie Long could hang on the court? Other celebrity participants included Percy and Ray Bady, Warryn Campbell and Papa San. And what was Natalie Wilson doing at the game? You can find out all on this DVD.

This DVD is the first of the Clark Sisters to get the DVD treatment and it's a winner. Make this become a part of your collection.


Some photos taken from Dorinda Clark-Cole's special showcase performance at GMWA 2002 in Detroit are provided below: