::ALBUM REVIEW::

The King of Gospel had delivered memorable projects over the decades that extend from the Golden era to the more transitional contemporary stages of the eighties, such as the trailblazing "Live at Carnegie Hall" and "Jesus Is The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me". And even though Rev. James Cleveland's career began to fade off into forgetfulness as modern gospel began to invade the music shelves of the 1980s, Cleveland was wise enough to insert his smartness in different formations and strategies to stay on top of the charts. The ride was surely bumpy as his albums failed to chart and sale as they did in his glory days. But Cleveland knew his brand of music and never attempted to change or mask the traditional classic gospel sound he was known for. On "Having Church" (1990), his final recording on Savoy Gospel before his passing, Rev. Cleveland returned with a smart set of tunes that reinvigorated the energies and charisma of his zenith while hosting on several cuts an assortment of supporting components and special guests to uphold the intensity where Cleveland isn't present. The final conclusion of this disc's description leads us into a grand listing of powerful adjectives: "rewarding, illustrious and highly uplifting".

Styled in the fashion of an old fashioned campmeeting, the album opens up with an introduction to the weary, yet determined gospel veteran on "What Shall I Do". His testimony of overcoming all odds related to his sickness is the plot behind the beautifully, written Rev. Quincy Fielding, Jr. composition. Along with Rev. Cleveland's fancy storytelling, the Southern California Community Choir (S.C.C.C.) approaches the song with tender, heartfelt harmonies. Then comes Cleveland's "Somehow I Made It"; which is a explosive, churchy precursor to the previous testimonies of Cleveland. The emotional frenzies from the choir and audience are highly electrified. Herman Jones delivers an aggressive solo on the midtempo, bluesy "God Is Taking Us Away". When the vamp finally kicks in on here, the choir pulls out all the right punches in their soulful delivery. Other churchy events include the sanctified sounds of "I'm Saved" and the powerful "Ready When Jesus Comes".

When describing the album's strongest points of interest, one must recall Calvin Bernard Rhone and Caravan member Cassietta George's appearance on the moving hymn arrangement of "God Leads His Children" - which also features Rev. Cleveland narrative skills alongside the song's edges. Tucked deep within the project are powerful, enthusiastic, poetic expressions from renowned narrator Edna Tatum. Her messages, though there are several presented here, are not too long and are actual crossover achievements for this kind of a project. Also highly recommended for listeners is the dramatic ballad, "Somebody's Knocking", which also contains a heavy, unexpected reprise full of emotional shouts and wailing. The duet featuring Herman Jones and Lavora Wilson helps to bring a sultry element to the song's relaxed character.

This album is filled with traditional power and captures the essence of Rev. James Cleveland's legacy. He didn't believe in writing difficult compositions - just incorporate a nice melody, warm lyrics and get to the point. His songs here have survived the test of time and so has the bulk of the remanding songs of hope, inspiration and triumph. In 1991, "Having Church" received a Grammy award for Best Gospel Album by a Choir or Chorus; months after the passing of Rev. James Cleveland.