Reviewed by Tony Cummings

This is as good as it gets... Black gospel choir music isn't to everyone's taste, for some the sheer unbridled frenzy of the music at its wildest moments is an embarrassment. But if, like me, you're thrilled when singers who can wring every ounce of emotion out of a praise song and choirs who can take the musical tension up to breaking point, as phrases are repeated in thrilling staccato pollyrhythms, Carlton Pearson, ably assisted by a leather-lunged choir directed by Alvin Fruga, take the praise up to the rafters at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa when recorded live in April. Hot guests include Daryl Coley and the mighty voice Karen Clark while Carlton, though having a speaking voice which sounds like he has a clothes peg attached permanently to his nose, has plenty of soul power himself as well as a wiley way with the old hymns (check him out on the "Old Songs Medley"). Truly ecstatic praise.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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