::ALBUM REVIEW::

A while back, we covered the debut, independent release of The Remnant's "Psalms of the Remnant" [read review]. The underground gem led by former Excelsior musical director F. Darnell Davis wooed audiences and gave them some more of that irresistible, infectious, funky gospel flavor mostly avoided by artists today. Even while with Excelsior, Davis' music, at times, felt like eclectic studio experiments that worked and he showcased more of that creative charm on Remnant, his personal musical aggregation from the St. Paul/Minneapolis area.

We reviewed that album. And were proud to be one of the first industry contributors to cover the project. With FS Music, F. Darnell Davis & the Remnant have repackaged that same project and have decided to add more heat to the fire with four new cuts and a cool companion DVD showcasing brilliant and amazing visuals of several performances at Celebration Church along with a special interview with the leaders of the group. These additions, along with the beautiful graphic design in the linear notes showcasing fall colors with a streak of light blue streaming past the white fonts, are well received and help elevate the group to "grand" status. The album also feels more balanced. While the former project possessed more ballads than upbeat jams, this one evens out the score and feels more complete.

Everything from the first project is featured here. No unexpected edits, no subtractions. The only elevations to the original cuts to look for maybe the introductory lengthening and horn additions to the moving ballad "Why". But "I'm Yours" still packs a punch and opens up the album with its smooth laid-back worship vibe and launches into a groovy vamp filled with musical modulations. "Stop Frontin'", featuring R&B sensation and Mint Condition lead vocalist Stokley, delivers the goods using its deep bass and neo-soulish spunk. The production here is, by far, a stellar achievement for Davis and compliments the sound Stokley is most common for. Other favorites from the former release including "New Day" (featuring Nesey Davis), the contemporary hotness of "That's Love" and the traditional churchy sensations of "Where Would I Be" are all present and are sure to satisfy new ears while revealing positive memories for those whom had the pleasure of hearing their debut.

The new songs are pleasing. May take some time to dig into since a lot of their musical juices and creativity have gotten stronger and thicker; making it more comprehensive to digest. The element of Excelsior is there, but with profound reshaping in the musical character and transitional parts of the songs. The groovy "It's In Jesus" plays with infectious guitar licks from Mike Scott, lush horns and Parliament/Funkadelic influences while Davis' youthful narrative leading drives the song directly into soulful ministry. If you aren't careful, you might mistaken Davis as being Tye Tribbett. "Holy" is also a prized favorite with its gospel-anthems structures. It is crafted with intimate piano touches from David Billingsley and contains complimentary horn arrangements from John Raymond. When the song finally flows into the vamp, the song dives into a few changes, dives and a series of abundant modulations. The exaltation of God's name on this rich selection is purely worshipful. The nine-minute "TR Worship Medley" features new worship choruses bearing a simple, smooth atmosphere.

And the companion DVD has its bundle of surprises. The live versions of "Why" and "Show Your Glory" showcase their heart for sweet worship, while "The Medley" merges a few of the album's fast cuts together for an explosive, energetic delivery worthy to be seen. What makes the medley so assertive is the closing addition of "Let's Just Praise Him"; a bonus feature not heard on the CD. A smoky uncredited sample of Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" is interjected into a jamming rhythm seasoned just right for a churchy down-south praise break. Vibrato on the repetitive phrase is just right and the energy from this suave bunch of singers reveal additional reasons to enjoy the visual bonus of this disc.

Those who treasure the funky and professional sounds of Minneapolis' gospel and R&B heritage will dig into this musical treasure with no problem. There's a lot to like about this project - especially in a season of drought for gospel choirs. While some may even compare "Psalms of the Remnant" to the welcoming youthfulness of Tye Tribbett & G.A.'s "Life", this project sounds more like a jubilant continuation of that vibe while revisiting sounds from Excelsior and Ricky Dillard's New G. Those formulas, with strong leadership and a focused vision from Davis, makes good music here and definitely promises to satisfy contemporary gospel lovers.