::ALBUM REVIEW::

Here you have a project that captures the unique sound of the 90s contemporary gospel choir movement using strong R&B overtures and sweet dips into beautified choral satisfaction. Truly, Donald Lawrence had created something extra special with "Bible Stories" (1995); a complete treasure of colorful songs that are considered to be some of Lawrence's greatest compositions. With Kevin Bond on board as musical director and in the production chambers, the album is well manufactured and also possesses an interesting format with theatric, story-telling interludes barely documented in gospel music. Handling the musical orchestration includes Cedric Thompson on keys, Mel Gray on bass and Jeremy Haynes on the drums.

The album opens up with a memorable spoken word opening from the late Brenda Waters. She aptly sets up "Stranger" with her brand of coolness while jumping into the hip-funk grooves with jazzy ad-libs. The Tri-City Singers delivers one of the memorable phrases ("da-ya-know-da-man") in contemporary gospel history on this track. That vibe crosses over into "A Message For The Saints"; which contains an infectious vibe and simple-90's hip-hop drum programming and is accented quite nicely with whistle-like sounds from Cedric Thompson's synth work. And when Lawrence gets the crunk juice flowing, things gets churchy when Twanzette Henson and Ronnie Dawson jumps in with their lead vocals. "Oh Peter" features more contemporary glam with the late Robin Rowe-Stewart providing a strong lead performance, Kevin Bond lending sweet vocoder effects and the choir blasting away powerful harmonies. The bridge goes through a series of lovely modulations and even though it ends rampantly, the song possesses lots of playback potential. And who can forget the neat, churchy arrangement of "Dance" with its zesty synth work and incredible drumwork.

Even while the uptempo cuts beautify most of the album's impressive structures, the ballads are just as strong - if not - they are potently formulaic. Daryl Coley's hypnotizing delivery on "When Sunday Comes" is a jazzed-up scorcher and is highly remembered for Coley's vocal showcase on its introduction. When the choir and full band finally jumps in, the song's mood shift and goes through several skillful chord changes and neat tricks. "Great Things" has a memorable worship sound and captures a bundle of emotions with Erica Bratton-McCullough expressing thoughtful praises on lead, especially on the closing chorus. "I Am God" takes on the first person of God speaking in its lyrical narrative and features Arnetta Murrill-Crooms' convicting vocals on the scripture-infused masterpiece. "Don't Forget To Remember" and Andrae' Crouch's "Come Lay Your Head On Me" also sparkle with melodic finesse and leaves no disappointments.

Plenty of radio hits are featured here and many of them were easily translated in church services and musical programs during the time of this release. And pulling this collection out again promises not to do any harm. Even after all these years, there's a bit of nostalgia that is felt when hearing this colorful and powerful set of music. Even with the cute retro sounds and the familiar hits, the lyrics here are highly charismatic and well prosed together. It is, without any question, that Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers greatest recording achievement took place on "Bible Stories". You cannot ignore the powers and the artistic beauty captured here.

Bible Stories was nominated for a GRAMMY Award in the Gospel Album by a Choir or Chorus category in 1995.