Reviewed by Rosemary Payne

Hanq Neal is a bit of a veteran on the gospel scene. Having fronted gospel group Joy and performed alongside some of the greats of gospel music. This, however, is his first solo project in which he has the opportunity to showcase his impressive vocal agility and songwriting skills. Hanq likes to float around a melody, performing a nice line in falsetto, and when he wants he can fairly milk a note for more than it's worth. Apart from on "Bubblin"' - a gem of a jazz number where Hanq accompanies himself on piano - the best tracks find Hanq joined by his choir at the Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston. Throughout he is adeptly supported by gifted musicians including multi-instrumentalist Leon 'Big Daddy' Lewis (sic); the ubiquitous Hammond organ; and a posse of backing vocalists you'd trade one of your kidneys for. Unfortunately, the album flounders on some fairly bland songwriting. Even the Carole King classic "You've Got A Friend" is stretched and pulled so out of shape that, like old bubble gum, it has lost its flavour.

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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