::ALBUM REVIEW::

Norman Hutchins has comfortably developed his niche’ in the ever changing world of contemporary gospel music and has planted well-received radio favorites such as “Battlefield,” “God’s Got A Blessing (With Your Name On It),” and “A Move Of God Is On The Way”on pleasurable albums throughout his recording tenure on JDI Records. Those sacrifices have helped JDI to become one of the most important and thriving independent music companies in gospel music. The zealous singer with the preaching edge has finally stepped away from JDI’s shadows to pursue his heartfelt intentions to develop new music on his newly-founded IR Music Group label. The debut project on his freshly-established Delaware-based is Spontaneous Praise, Volume One; a worship-tinged collection recorded live at the Pentecostals of Dover, DE that focuses on Hutchins’ beloved contemporary gospel sound. Versatile in its reach, Huitchins’ style borderlines gutsy traditional numbers and contemporary gospel choir packages and he unashamedly uses that same upbeat and passionate formula on the album’s fourteen worship-themed cuts. It’s also comforting to know that Hutchins doesn’t flee from the clear and well-polished production of Michael Bereal on this offering. Veteran musicians Michael Neuble, Jimmy Neuble and Donald Hayes also tag along for the ride.

Anchoring the album’s front end is the churchy opener “It’s Your Season;” solidified by Sunday morning trademarks and bluesy deliveries. It has been a longtime tradition for Hutchins to open his projects with a midtempo gospel groove and continues with that pattern here. “Hold On” boasts a ‘90s R&B groove attached to simple, encouraging lyrics - ultimately reminding listeners to “hold on, for their work is not done.” The seven-minute funky groove enters into a world of tantalizing delight when it somersaults into the infectious vamp ; leaving ample room for Hutchins to ad-lib and strengthen the base of the song. The beautifully-penned and sweetly delivered pop-flavored sounds of “Your Love Is Truly Amazing” showcases Hutchins’ potential and ability to transcend stylistic boundaries. While pop worship isn’t something totally unfamiliar to the songwriter/singer, “Truly Amazing” - due to its lyrical warmth and intimate musical nature - is probably his finest and most compelling composition aimed to reach beyond conventional gospel audiences. The complimentary ballad “Rest In You,” featuring Tammy Trout on lead vocals, is just as satisfying and compelling with its soul-searching lyrics and lush instrumentation. Rev. Timothy Wright guests on “This Is The Day;” a song that is suitable for Wright’s engaging ad-libs and compliments Wright’s distinctive songwriting. It rocks with spicy rhythm and cool changes, but finally enters into an explosive finale’ of modulations, horn blasts and a dazzling duet featuring Wright with Hutchins.

Two medleys also enter into the picture - stretched out as individual tracks, yet flowing from one to the next without any interruption or fade breakage. The Heart of Worship Medley sounds like an Israel/New Breed sing-a-long experiment and encompasses the introductory cut “Back To The Heart Of Worship” and “We Worship You.” Clearly it is the middle track, “We Sing Praises,” - with its bright synth sounds and mighty choral deliveries - that stands out as the strongest segment of them all. Juicy horn arrangements also provide a colorful background to the adventurous medley. The Dedication Medley, stretching beyond the ten-minute mark when adding up all three segments, is a soulful worship epic ballad that finds worshipers entering into a humble, submissive posture worth experiencing. “More Than Words Could Ever Say,” and the heartfelt pleas of “Whatever You Ask” are well supported by Bereal’s sensitive keys.

Renowned gospel veteran and male vocalist Daryl Coley also makes a surprising appearance on “Just In Time.” With just an organ accompaniment from Nelson Jackson III, Coley journeys through his wide range into a circus of vocal deliveries that includes lengthy sustaining notes and jazzy improvisations. His testimony, known to many in the gospel community, surrounds his battle with diabetes and diabetes and while his health has placed serious pressure on him vocally, he still navigates through his challenging vocal trademarks. There’s a few obvious cracks and strains here and there, but Coley is a fighter and comes out a winner.

“He’s Been Good” bows out the project with delightful results. It’s churchy, full of traditional quartet flavor and revisits the high-energy sounds previously used on Hutchins’ 1999 hit “Battlefield.” Sporting a charming southern down home groove, it is remarkable, uplifting gospel at its best. When the Holy Ghost frenzied “Praise Break” bursts out at the album’s end with Hutchins delivering a introductory parable and the overcoming instrumental showcase, the album will have you hungry for more.

Aside from the formulaic worship themes, Spontaneous Praise shines with credible grooves supersonic sounds and infectious singing. Hutchins’ JDI catalog are brilliant works, but suffered from their closing ten-minute commercials aimed for marketing and lack of tracks. This offering is much different as it aims to cultivate church repertoires with congregation and church choir-friendly songs. And with Hutchins’ potent, groove-driven sounds, bundles of qualifying radio hits and more artistic material on board to fondle with, this album is bound to win over a new audience to Hutchins’ dedicated fan base.