Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Filmed live back in 1996 at the Cathedral Of The Holy Spirit in Atlanta, Georgia when the acclaimed US gospel frontman had recently formed his new group Vision, this two hour show is packed full of attitude, poignancy and passion. Proceedings kick off with a stately string ensemble prelude before the man himself, resplendent in a natty blue suit, leads his choir and an extremely tight backing band in the stirring "Total Praise". Smallwood takes the lead vocal on a handful of numbers ("Call The Lord" and "Bless The Lord" amongst others) but it is the individual members of his formidable choir that steal the show. Vanessa Williams and Maurette Brown Clark give a masterclass in slow burning soul in "Angels" whilst the Mahalia Jackson-sized Carolene Hatchett gives a Mahalia Jackson-sized performance in the more traditional gospel of "Great Day". Elsewhere, the sheer abandonment of Charisse D Nelson in the meditative "Thank You" typifies Smallwood and his team's dedication to ministering God's word to the congregation with uncompromising fervency. Whilst this is very much a no frills release with a lack of special features that enhance many modern day DVD releases, this is nonetheless a worthwhile document of a great performance by one of the world's leading gospel outfits.

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