::ALBUM REVIEW::

Norman Hutchins is well known for twisting traditional soul patterns with a wide spectrum of distinctive contemporary grooves. His bold introduction years ago with "Press Toward The Mark" to his 1999 solo effort on a small independent label named JDI Records, the journey for the refreshing songwriter and male vocalist has been a successful one. Two albums after "Battlefield", Hutchins delivers an intricate set of stylistic movements showcasing the commonalities of his masterful traditional foundation while revealing a deeper drive towards new ideas and sounds on "Where I Long To Be". The concluding result may be, without much debate, his greatest work of art yet.

The album uses a sensational team of musicians including keyboard maestros Jason White and Michael Bereal along with key figures such as Jimmy Neuble and saxophonist Donald Hayes. This probably explains why the music here is so tight and so clean in production. Breaking out a bluesy-traditional gospel drive on "Get Ready For Your Miracle" as the album opener is just perfect for those familiar with Hutchins' down-home gospel roots. The background vocals from the "A" Team are full of energy and character as they breathe vitality into the encouraging lyrics. The spirit of encouragement and optimism stirs right into the next track on the uptempo, contemporary funkbuster; "A Move Of God Is On The Way". While the lyrics are warm in its formation, the music here sticks out with the swiftness, especially when the song takes a moderate, yet expedient shift in key change on the second verse. Things get funkier when the closing verse jumps in repetition mode - the groove is tighter and captures a good dose of well-seasoned chords sure to cause serious head bobs.

Deep within the project are sensational ear-catchers such as the zesty, churchy "Everything Will Be Alright", which features Kurt Carr Singers' Shervonne Wells. You can hear both the stylings of Chicago gospel and a landscape of Detroit contemporary church music in this one. Wells' dangerous squall, Hutchins' soaring tenor and the energetic musicianship from the band are splendid combinations. Reminiscences of the Soul Children's 1970s hit "Hearsay" can be heard all throughout the soulful, funky "I Can't Forget" - a major plus on the infectious vamp with its finishing phrases from the choir. "I Really Love You" sounds like a cool, contemporary jazz number, styled with George Benson in mind. With some neat acoustic guitar action and a sweet, sentimental flute solo, the song has the magnetic strength to draw even the toughest jazz fanatics. The well-arranged melody of the title cut flows like his previous worship hit, "Jesus I Love You". Much of the song is sung with an intimate cover of unison interpretations from the background vocalists with tender worship leading from Hutchins, but it clearly shows that a song doesn't always need crazy arrangements to deserve attention. Plus, pay attention to the traditional-churned "Because Of You" and to the polyrhymthic energies and the soulful harmonies on "I Am Standing On His Promises".

Even though the album only bears nine tracks (excluding reprises and JDI's familiar announcements and artist samplers), the album is rich with standout gems. it should not be a surprise to anyone whom purchase JDI projects that there's usually only a minimal selection of cuts on board and lots of cheesy album fillers attempting to spark interest to listeners in the label's other projects. Amazingly, you don't feel shortchanged here with the stellar amount of hits made available here. JDI continues to prove that they are an unforgivable presence in the gospel music industry, and with this excellent release from Norman Hutchins, they are definitely on the road towards prominent distinction.