::ALBUM REVIEW::

There must be something in the waters. For years, the Atlantic coastline has brought quality underground talent to the forefront and has gained an acceptable amount of national attention and acclaim. And just when you thought you’ve heard it all, someone else sends forth the right sound to your ear, as if it was crying out “hear me, hear me”. You can hear those words clearly with a sample of “All Things, The Soulful Celebration...Live”; the debut independent release from Greg Roberts & Soulful Celebration. The project is laced with energetic tracks; pulling out seasoned “soul food” from both traditional and contemporary gospel camps. There is even a deep musical connection that will bring up familiarities to groups like Ricky Dillard & New G, Natalie Wilson & SOP, Excelsior and Youthful Praise. But they are in no way, based on this recording, a carbon copy of these established groups.

Before picking out the track highlights, let’s get a clear understanding of what makes this group stick. It’s nothing difficult to interpret and there’s nothing really outrageous about this group than most groups and choirs. They used the vibrato, they have the thick, masculine tenor section and occasionally pull out the mighty crescendo; showcasing their synchronization skills. But there’s to this zesty mixture of talented individuals than the average techniques. With a fresh zeal and passion to sing, which is pretty obvious, and the awesome maturity tucked deep in their harmonies (giving you that blessed experience you felt after hearing groups like the Whitfield Company and the Tri-City Singers), this group truly sets themselves apart from the conventional group. Plus, their vibrato is very much controlled throughout most of the album and only comes out when necessary. It’s straight-sangin’, as I would call it. And you have to be strongly trained to sing like that to possess those kind of tones as Soulful Celebration exhibits. The only thing that may baffle most analyzers, based on acquired information, is why this group sounds so good as they do since they are only infants as this particular entity (founded in 2000, their debut was released 2003).

Perfect example can be heard on the slow ballads. “Lift Your Hands”, one of the two cuts penned by Sony Music’s Tye Tribbett, showcases vocal maturity and richness and giving off lasting impressions of the group’s credibility. Greg Roberts also reveals his heart for worship, while delivering a chunkful of vocal chops, on this track. It is a high-performance track, and is beautified with moving musicianship from Robert Coleman and Michael Brown on keys and a rhythmic flow captured by drummer Corey Johnson, but it’s natural for Sunday morning worship. The level of intensity increases with Jason Dungee’s “Awesome God”; a smoldering ballad that contains common gospel elements but enriched with engaging annunciations and a thunderous closing. Even “Revelation”, which features a classical-like prelude with synthetic strings, showcases the best from this group. It’s a long track, but getting a taste of this group’s vocal abilities at its finest is most important here. The song tells of being prepared for Christ’s return and speaks of urgent preparation for God’s wrath and also his mighty call to live a life of purity. Hearing Soulful Celebration sing the words, “Will you be ready”, will surely put you to mind of Richard Smallwood’s Vision; proving that age ain’t nothing but a number. They are a young group, but have maturity that speaks in volumes.

But the album is not all ballads, even though the stronger points lie within the slow tracks. “Oh Come”, penned by Zachary Williams (Wilmington Chester alumni), is a bumping contemporary gem flowing in the same vein as Youthful Praise (and also Russell Delegation). With funky synthesizers and thumping bass, the song works effectively and will bring smiles to youth choir’s faces. “In The Name Of Jesus” showcases Roberts' heart for church music; with its up-tempo, foot stomping and organ-blazin’ jam sessions. You probably won’t believe it that Tye Tribbett pens this composition, but you will get over it. It’s passionate, it’s highly soulful and it’s pure church. There are plenty of disappointing album fillers and interludes that get in the way of this project from being exceptional. But the high moments are just that -high. And it’s worth the buck.

It’s so amazing to even say this, but when I hear Greg Roberts’s lead vocals and capture Soulful Celebration’s vocal prowess, I began to smile in wonder. I can’t help but hear bits and pieces of Keith Pringle in this singer and Whitfield’s choral schooling in this ensemble. Yes, there is nothing new under the sun, but I still believe there is something in the water. The Atlantic waters continue to shine forth with newness and life; proving that the best is yet to come.