::ALBUM REVIEW::

The brother has released a dozens of independent projects throughout the 90s, but not one really sparked the attention of serious gospel insiders. Blame that on past cover art and graphic design. This time around, James Grear lights up his latest musical offering to date on his Alliant Music Group debut. Grear still is locking down the dreads; a serious trademark for him on the cover with his latest assembly of singers carrying the “Nu Friends” moniker standing afar back in the right-hand corner of the front cover. White cover, of course, for a background. But not bad. It’s definitely a move up in comparison to previous collections from Grear’s HOB/Roadshow projects. But the engaging music, a hearty mix of East Coast contemporary grooves and traditional throwbacks, is definitely where the action is; even though the cover art is truly the go-getter for interested consumers.

Starting things off is the contemporary spunk on Jack Yates’ “Just Hold On”; a groove focused on funky vibrations saturated in the style of Minneapolis’s Excelsior. By time you approach the walking bass lines on the vamp, you are certainly confident that this is the perfect song to open with. Choir parts break up, the normal breakdown of the band, and the looping vamp is evidence of a classic contemporary jam. Immediately following is “He Kept Me”, an old-fashioned bluesy groove sounding like an updated version of “I Know The Lord Will Make A Way” featuring hefty lead guitar spunk and engaging organ chords. But the song is catchy and is graciously accepted on this mix. One good listen to the “Nu Friends” harmonies and dynamics , you are bound to recall the sounds of Ricky Dillard or Youthful Praise, but with less emphasis on the busy vibrato. But on the other hand, I’m thinking Excelsior.

Well, it may help you if you knew that James Grear and Nu Friends are based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. That explains it.

F. Darnell Davis, music director of Excelsior, jumps in on four of the cuts offered here including “It Shall Come To Pass”; the latter being a definite traditional church stomper. “He’s My Help”, which closes the album out, only helps in establishing Davis as a bonafide songwriter possessing unique musical abilities and techniques.

The album has a few flaws that should be expressed. It is a raw finish in the production department and the mixing is a tad bit retro. Even though raw productions come off to be more realistic and reveals the sheer qualities of the musicians (without the added overdubs), a little more concentration on this would have made this project a definite keeper for the year. Plus, there is a lack of ballads and slower-tempo songs here, but those problems are really obsolete after you began to focus on the zealous energy released from “Nu Friends” and contagious songs like “Just Hold On” and “He’s My Help”. And then don’t forget the throwback on “Perfect Peace”, written by Rudolph Stanfield. Originally recorded by Keith Pringle in the early 80s, this song continues to gain popularity with youth groups and choirs and showcases the depth regarding the universal theme about God’s promise to those that have covenant with Him found in Isaiah 26:3. And just when you thought the song had been revisited for the last time, James Grear & Nu Friends breathe a lengthy thirteen minutes into this one. It’s a stretched-out adventure, but it will be remembered and treasured.

With the new changes and the friends on board to help assist Grear’s career, you only pray that this formula will stick and remain. Count this one to gain some exceptional spins on radio and in car stereos for a good period of time.