::ALBUM REVIEW::

Every heard an album that had more hits that it should? If you haven't, then pick up John P. Kee's "Show Up!" (1995); an awesome portrait of contemporary choir music flamed over a meaty traditional sound that equates into a well-crafted offering that pleases both young and old. Most John P. Kee followers can point out quickly the significance and importance of this contribution and are swift to claim this as being Kee's greatest musical attempt. Their expose' should be taken serious since it was Kee's first gold record and it featured most of his memorable hits. But there is also a surprising factor contributed to the success of this album and, that is, Kee pushes forth a great versatility that showcases his songwriting strengths in various modes of gospel. Fast-numbers like "Made Up Mind" and the title track portray Kee's knack for creating contemporary, hip-hop jammers, while "Comfort Me" and "I Shall Do" are beautifully arranged and deliver lyrical excellence. Songs like the country-churchy "He'll Welcome Me", the James Brown-influenced "The Lord Is Able" and the swiftly-delivered "God Has Been So Good" celebrate the excitement of Sunday morning music set to New Life's careful phrasing and delightful harmonies. It's not even surprising to know that all these songs were hot radio picks and made their share of rounds in church choir programs.

But there are some cuts that may have gotten a quick and unfair judgement while possessing some of Kee's most artistic developments. "I Shall See Him" brings the slow-down craft of James Cleveland to a sparking background of choral ambiance and nice piano patches. Towards the end of this number, an emotional vamp is attached and shocks with a particular vocal chord on the phrasing "face to face, with Him I shall reign". Sounds simple, but quite interesting to put together. It has that same style heard on Whitfield's production of "Hallelujah Anyhow". Plus, Kee delivers with confident ad-libs; setting the stage for a very emotional moment. "Be Encouraged" finds an early Montrell Darrett, whom sung with New Life on this one album only, delivering lead vocals on a tune that feels like a early 90s Commissioned record. And the add-in of the holiday treat, "There's No Christmas Without You", definitely makes this album a pleasant listen all year round.

The instrumentation here is fair, not really one of the rawest deliveries from Kee's pack of album releases, but it is of good quality. With Garland Miche' Waller (keyboards), Preston Kelly (bass), Eric Brice (guitar), Prince Kee (drums) and John P. Kee handling most of the string arrangements and drum programming, the set has that same vibe delivered on his "Wash Me" and "We Walk By Faith" projects. Instead, on this time around, the music is highly glossed with punctuating lyrics and some of Kee's finer musical formulas. Of all of Kee's offerings, both "Strength" and "Show Up!" are hailed as his best presentations, but "Show Up!" stands out as the most enduring of the two, due to its string of hits and the amusing range of material offered. "Show Up!" was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Gospel Album By A Choir or Chorus in 1996.