Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

Those of you who may remember the sort of thing that Ron Kenoly was doing through the '90s - large praise gatherings with big choirs, audience participation galore and Abe Laboriel, Justo Almario, Alex Acuna et al pulling out all the stops - might expect this to be more of the same, particularly as Hosanna!'s '..In The House' series has been, by and large, seriously funky. But a quick read of the sleevenotes reveals that this is somethin' else. Whilst it may not be precisely a "bold new step in praise and worship music" (to quote the blurb), this is Ron as you may never have heard him before, because it's a mix of inspirational gospel, R&B, blues and jazz. He's joined by Darlene Zschech on the anthemic "You Are"; the title track bounces along with a horn-driven beat, using the words of Psalm 23 ("I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever"); sons Sam and Ronald get several songwriting credits; and there's a bluesy, jazzy version of Bill Withers' "Grandma's Hands". Add plenty of seasoned session players and singers (Jerry McPherson, Steve Brewster, Chris Rodriguez, Lisa Bevill, Leann Albrecht, Marabeth Jordon and Anointed's Nee-C Walls), mix in Integrity's usual production polish and this should not disappoint Ron's many fans, and might just win him a few new ones.

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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