Reviewed by Simon Akehurst

However much you admire the veterans and all those great records they recorded for Stax, the opening of this album is a decidedly uncomfortable listen, being an intro from a female MC that gives nothing of the glory to God, but lists instead the achievements of the band, and how they were the "first to do this", or the "only band to do that". The second track (which is actually the first music track) is faultless in the musicianship, with a full horns section and tight band. The sound is well produced, especially for a live show. I do have my doubts that all the tracks are live however, as it is just too polished and must have had some studio work. The vocals are, as usual, stunning with plenty of Rance's octave leaps and falsetto screams which make him one of the most arresting vocalists in the whole gospel field. On some tracks Rance and his brothers are helped by a full gospel choir. There are 15, sorry 14 tracks here and the standout is "He Delivered Me" which, oddly enough, is the shortest.

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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Recorded at Greater Grace Temple (Detroit, MI) capturing the anointing that has blessed the group’s hugely successful first live recording of 2004, The Live Experience. For forty years The Rance Allen Group has shared their R&B-infused gospel being harbingers for the contemporary Christian/Gospel music movement popularised in the late 70’s.

Over the decades the group has delivered such classics as Up Above My Head to If I could Make The World Better, Miracle Worker and to their hit collaboration with Kirk Franklin Something About The Name Jesus.