::ALBUM REVIEW::

After decades of delivering a number of #1 albums and hits to the world, the Thompson Community Singers decided to disband in 2000 and called it quits. Rumors began to surface about a possible reunion and maybe even a few more album releases, but those thoughts were shattered when years floated away without a sign of any possibilities. But in December 2003, longtime co-laborer and friend of the legendary choir, Darius Brooks, reassembled the original musicians and former members for a special live recording session at Christ Universal Temple celebrating the many years and memories they created as one of Gospel's most treasured musical aggregations. The first half of that session was recently released by Brooks' Journey Music Group (JMG) as "The Reunion: Live In Chicago - Side A". Minutes through this souvenir collection not only brings up so many memories but also proves a startling point: this group still deserves kudos. Their singing has not suffered, their energy is still brilliantly exuberant and their skills are untouched.

Joining in on the project are some of the keynote musical leaders of this classic group: Kevin Brunson on drums, Charles "Al" Willis on lead guitar, Richard Gibbs on organ, Terry Moore on keys, Tony Russell on bass and Brooks on piano. And with Tyrone Block and Carliss Moody lending their directing abilities to the table, the event is groomed for greatness.

The linear notes also provide a wonderful experience on its own; providing important information on their history, chart placing and specific details on and colorful photographs from the recording.

The project covers some of their favorite hits as well as some of the songs that were notable attention-getters but may have been overlooked. While most of the cuts here were penned by Brooks, the songs still should render their share of blissful memories to fans of the Thompson Community Singers. LeAnne Faine charges things up with her gutsy and energetic lead on the classic "Guess You're Wondering". There is more groove and funk on this version - just what the doctor ordered. "If I Be Lifted" finds Brooks once again delivering his cool lead duties and there's even a bundle of surprises as Brooks leaves the audience hanging with the absence of the very high note on his solo - best remembered on the original. That moment by itself is pretty comical and makes this one of the coolest and best remembered tricks this disc offers. Still, the song is gracefully done and the choir beautifies the soft, falsetto phrasings on the repeated vamp. It's refreshing to hear Pamela Crawford once again attack "Don't Stop Praying". The song is mellowed down in the beginning but unfolds later on with the dynamic punches from the choir. Cool musical interplay from Brooks and the band also spice up the direction of this contemporary gem. Kim McFarland returns on "For The Good Of Them" and delivers a piano-only accompanist for her preachy, squalling solo. She milks the powerful lyrics even more and prepares the way for the choir to deliver the unforgettable vamp. Both the eight-minute ballad "Available To You" and the soulful "He Will Deliver" are well executed. "Safe In His Arms", passionately and effortlessly sung by Beatrice Gardner, almost sounds as good as the original. Possibly the quick editing of Pamela Crawford's entrance on the song may have giving the impression that the final mix was rushed, but it still packs a mighty punch.

A few challenges with this disc is its easy comparisons to the original versions. Most of the songs captured here are much glossier, cleaner and at times, almost feels unbelievable when compared to what most have associated the Tommies to sound like. Most of the songs are very short and feel a bit rushed. The "Over And Over Medley", featuring "Great Things", "Jesus Is A Rock" and "Over And Over And Over", feels thrown together while "Jesus Rose" seems to be missing that thump-funk that an updated version of this powerhouse choir-rocker deserves. It's also easy noticing the absence of Percy Bady in the musical department. Plus, the live horn arrangements of the originals are replaced with keyboard synths. But before one attempts to crucify the album, just think about this fact. This is just one half of that recording session. A total of eleven songs on this set only reveals that there was probably a lot of singing that night. So let's be a bit more understanding. The album states that the second half will be released sometime next year - so the wait is on.

There is a lack of quality choir projects out now and there's not too many gospel choirs singing rich, detailed music like this. And even though the amount of reunion projects on the shelves continue to escalate in amazing numbers, this collection actually stands tall against most in the pack. When you possess a slate of songs this incredible and timeless, it's hard not to seriously recognize the sheer volume of value this disc inherits. And it should not be remiss to mention that the Thompson Community Singers make most choirs today sound like puny amateurs. Even after all these years, the Thompson Community Singers are still giving lessons to us pupils on how to sing gospel music.