::ALBUM REVIEW::

I have lately found myself very interested in the sounds of the National Convention of Choirs and Choruses’ chapters (or choral unions, as they call it). And the first regional department I locked my ears on happens to be the Garden State Choral Chapter; where the bulk of the members reside in the Englewood, New Jersey area. After viewing the glamorous cover art and graphic design, along with this illustrious photos from the recording session, take a tumble into the musical offerings. The experience is worth it.

While most album producers choose to put all of the hefty cuts in the forefront of the album’s song listing, Garden State’s crew (Harrold and Darrold Edgar) chooses to scatter them abroad; making the full-length compact disc, flowing into a one hour and ten minutes; a beautiful journey from beginning to end. And to show you how courageous this set of producers are, they showcase their crafty musicianship on the tracks as well as pen some of the album’s strongest highlights. Harold’s “Enter Into His Gates” takes off with flying colors with its contemporary, mid-tempo groove that bears an obvious mix of funk and classical music and is definitely a worthy start for the ensemble. But the charming rendition of “My Soul Loves Jesus”, which immediately follows the opening cut, is where it all happens. Anthony Miller delights the track with his perky East Coast organ peddling, while the choir charges into zesty harmonies and a series of blazing modulations towards the end. It really has that Hezekiah Walker bounce that we all miss. This kind of revival of that addictive energy is just what gospel really needs, and Garden State captures it well.

Even better are contemporary jams such as Harrold Edgar’s “He’ll Never Leave You”, the soothing Tamba Giles’ track “You Are The Great I Am” (pay close attention to the killer vamp with its break-up of parts and odd harmonies), “Comin’ To Get Blessed” (an urbanized-thumping bass track that’s perfect for Saturday and Sunday morning cruisin’). Even though the album is glossed up with contemporary fever, ol’ skool is definitely represented on “Oh How I Love Him”, penned by Daryl Redmond. This is a true winner for the traditionalist from beginning to end. With an additional live horn section added to the piece and spunky, charismatic hand-clapping, this track is certain to make its strides in gospel hall of fame. Praise and worship is even demonstrated in a few places on this album. Leading in that category is “Your Name Is Jesus”; which may be overlooked by most listeners due to the surrounding jubilant tracks. But make no mistake about it, one listen to the therapeutic opening and the sensitive touches from the band and choir, the presence of God will surely be felt.

Overall, the project is very clean in the production department. It is a live recording and with careful over-dubs and a few additional face lifts, this project is comfortable on the ear. It’s not a perfect collection, but delightful is the obvious term to coin this project. What pleases me the more about this one is that most wouldn’t expect to hear this grade of quality from a gospel organization’s chapter (i.e. GMWA, NCGCC, Edwin Hawkins, VIP). Goodnes, have you heard a project from chapters of the Edwin Hawkins or John P. Kee’s VIP camp? Didn’t think so. But that’s why we should always expect the best in all that we do. For this group definitely proves that we can certainly do all things through Christ whom gives us strength. Good job.