::ALBUM REVIEW::

What sets "Live In New York...By Any Means" (1995) apart from most gospel collections is how the songs complimented one another and how they literally challenged the generation of the nineties to make switch styles. If you follow the chronological patterns of how Hezekiah Walker shifted his choral army, the Fellowship Crusade Choir, towards crunk-East Coast gospel along with modern hip-hop techniques from his debut to this album, you can easily see how this album stands out from the rest. The right songwriters were on board, the right songs were on board, the right vocalists were on board and the right musicians were here for this momentous occasion.

"Live In New York...By Any Means" is loaded with high-octane, juicy choir rockers. It charges up from the very beginning with the energetic "I'll Be Satisfied", penned by Melvin Crispell. The song contains the essential ingredients to a Crispell uptempo choir rocker including the dazzling vamp with joyous modulations. You can also hear Crispell injecting his impressive organ mastery alongside Nate McNair's juicy synth work on this cut. Joeworn Martin's "Nothing Else Can Protect Me (Like Christ)" is just as memorable with its infectious tempo and sensational blend of contemporary and traditional gospel energies. The song is pretty short - but the experience is worth hearing. Hezekiah Walker lends his voice to the contemporary-infused "I'll Fly Away" and the irresistible "99 1/2". The latter contains a short introduction to the classic version, but shifts rampantly into a jammin' arrangement by Nate McNair. But there's more - "How Much We Can Bear" is also a delicate R&B jam filled with hair-raising modulations, "Restore Your Joy In Me " features a enjoyable lead performance from Isaac Carree and "No Greater Love", stretching out to eight minutes long, definitely charms with its funky, hip-hop sounds. Plus who can resist the jazzy vocals of Stazee Royal and the guest appearance of R&B cronner Aaron Hall.

The album also has a gorgeous slate of emotional ballads and slow jams - such as David Frazier's "Second Chance". Monique Walker delivers a very powerful solo on the moving prayerful lyrics, while the choir executes mighty emphasis in all of the right places. Towards the end, the choir mellows into calm "ohhhs" while Monique Walker continues to pour out her heart's pleas. Probably one of the overlooked tracks, "Sweeter As The Days Go By" is the perfect transitional song with its melodic musicianship, milky melody and jazzy enhances. With Lawanda Campbell providing notable lead vocals, the song is punctuated with serious soulful affection and has to be one of the album's strongest emotional deliveries. Jules Bartholomew's poetic "Come Home", which concludes the project, is another distinctive power ballad. Timiney Figueroa's solo, along with the moving choral arrangement, should not go unnoticed.

The stamina and lifespan of "Live In New York...By Any Means" is pretty impressive. Most of the songs enjoyed consistent radio airplay and many of the songs are regarded as being some of Hezekiah Walker's strongest achievements. It is a testament of having the right people on board and having an assignment to deliver something unique and satisfying to the immediate public. This album is still making noise years after; which proves exactly why this album is so essential.

Live In New York...By Any Means was also nominated for a 1996 GRAMMY Award for Best Gospel Album By A Choir or Chorus.