::ALBUM REVIEW::

Another stellar collection of bright, radiant, colorful choir music, "Available To You" (1988) launched Reverend Milton Brunson and his famed Thompson Community Singers to a greater level of popularity and is still treasured to many as being their musical opus. Contained in this eight-track jackpot collection are iconic selections that are easily considered to be some of Milton Brunson's finest compositions; mostly composed by Darius Brooks and Percy Bady.

Opening things up is the sensational, uptempo jam, "Just A Prayer Away", featuring the gutsy vocals of Leanne Faine. The song, spunked with nice rhythm and a sweeping brass arrangement, is highly spirited and defines the exciting church sound of Chicago gospel music. Darius Brooks' "Jesus Rose" is also done in that same energy - using majestic horn blasts and peppery handclaps. The melody is fierce and with all of the moving musical changes (from the chorus then to the bridge and towards the vamp), you can see why this song is so appealing today. "Jesus Rose" is a rollercoaster all the way through. Percy Bady's "He's Keeping Me" is another churchy explosion fired with convincing lead vocals and dynamic choral deliveries. The energy of this cut is truly worth experiencing - it possesses the heart of authentic soulful gospel music.

Within the disc are a number of mighty ballads that showcase a good mix of hearty lyrics and the right musical treatment. The title cut, penned by Carlis Moody, is beautifully orchestrated with string punctuation from the Nashville String Machine. The song is mostly sung in unison but finally explodes into thunderous harmonies on towards the closing; giving the song a spectacular, innovative climax. "I'm Free" is laid back in a slow, traditional batter that works well for the effective lead vocals of Reverend Milton Brunson. And when he blasts out the phrasing of "born again...born again" on the vamp, you can really feel the conviction in Brunson's voice of his salvation. "For The Good Of Them" delicately opens with soft piano and showcases the marvelous lead vocals of Kim McFarland. But the lyrics unfold into an emotional and inspiring letter of bold encouragement; definitely reminding us that "No matter what the problem/You can't solve it/They will come but don't you worry/It will work out/For the good of them/Who love the Lord".

Of course, what makes this project so remarkable is that it was released a year later from their #1 gospel album release, "If I Be Lifted". And this project proved to be just as great. The Thompson Community Singers, aided by Rev. Brunson, continued on their course to delivering powerful and well-crafted material and showed no signs of ceasing. And from hearing this music, one who lived during this era can boldly say that it was a good thing to have experienced this project when released. It was truly a breath of fresh air for gospel music.