::ALBUM REVIEW::

Huntsville, based in northern Alabama, has had its fair share of exposure in the music industry and even though the journey has not been an easy one, it is one that most should not ignore. With the triumphs of Take 6, Virtue and Madison Mission Mass Choir in the 90s, many wonder what the small, yet progressive city has in store for the new century. Jamel Strong provides an excellent musical experience on “...It’s Your Time”; founded on traditional church roots while the spirit of youthfulness from the Triple M Conference Mass Choir, a collection of singers and vocalists whom registered for the annual event sponsored by Jamel Strong’s music ministry, overwhelms listeners with a great dosage of spontaneous magic and energy.

The twelve track collection presents a good mix of old stuff and new grooves. Enough to satisfy the East Coast contemporary gospel lovers and enough to make Chicagoans move towards the South. And what qualifies this project to being very likeable is that even though the “conference choir” may suggest to many on-lookers that this is a set of novice singers calling themselves gospel music lovers, this is a talented aggregation indeed. And even though the choir vocals are pretty much raw and (without the studio cover-ups), you began to appreciate the group’s charisma to keep it real.

Opening things up is Jamel Strong, in worship leader mode, with “My Hands Are Lifted Up”; an elegant worship number penned by himself. It has a paradise-like feel with its swing tempo, but develops rock elements on the vamp as they repeat “a blessing from you”. It’s not a long song, which is pretty much a common trait in Strong’s compositions, but it puts enough in the song to satisfy. And with the basic gospel choir functions in place, this short tune mutates into a six minute celebration. That same formula is rejuvenated on the title cut, which also happens to be the only studio track represented here. But the formula is spruced up with thumping keyboard bass from Kelvin Wooten and Ronald Rawls II ; giving the album a necessary urban boost. And Another Strong selection, “I’m Going Home”, merges the sounds of a Ricky Dillard traditional jamboree into a up-tempo James Bignon choir opener. When one hears the vamp, it is clear that Jamel’s intentions are to keep authentic church music alive. Jamel shares lead opportunities with Abrellia Rawls and throttles the microphone with bombastic spunk. Church lovers will also gravitate to the moving rendition of Dr. Mattie Moss Clark’s “Send Thy Power Down”. With Rawls delivering gutsy squalls and Ronald Rawls, II hammering out infectious organ chords, the song is sure to get its share of spins. The tribute even grows to the point where it also features a strong sample of Clark’s “yes, yes, yes, ooo” found in “Climbing Up The Mountain”.

Of course, East Coast contemporary gospel is pretty much the obvious sound featured here. With tracks like Eric Hutton’s “I Can Call Him” and “Jesus I’ll Never Forget” (lead by Eddie James), it’s not hard to find at all. “Come Bow Down”, penned by Vetrea Slack-Ruffin, is also a notable track which features harmonies and musical changes that are comparable to Youthful Praise (East Coast, of course), but it dances on a very quick tempo, club-like groove with murky chord structures and dazzling string arrangements. When the song blazes into the modulations at the end of the song, you began to question whether or not this group really calls the South their home. But the big surprise is tucked in the inspiring “Born To Win”, written by James White (and not to be confused with Kevin Davidson’s version). The song is truthfully one of the compelling pieces represented here, thanks to Stephanie Moore’s sensitive ad-lib touches along with Erick Matthews (former singer with John P. Kee) who joins in on the song’s reprise. The song stretches out to a resounding nine minutes and amazingly beautifies this project with the utmost respect.

There is barely a dry track represented here and there’s enough edge to keep this independent project in the mouths of gospel treasure hunters’ conversations for a good period of time. It also seems that this project also tends to get popular as months float by; proving once again that the late R&B legend Aaliyah was right. Age ain’t nothing but a number.