::ALBUM REVIEW::

On the heels of a very successful debut on Verity Records, Richard Smallwood practically used the same winning combinations and formulas to create "Healing - Live In Detroit" (1999) . Like the old saying states: "If it's not broke, don't fix it". Smallwood takes that to heart as he assembles this project, recorded at the Straight Gate Church in Detroit, MI. On board once again is the amazing production team of Steven Ford, whom also delivers musical arrangements, and his gifted skills on Hammond B3 and keyboards. Bryant Pugh and Smallwood handles piano duties. Then add Mo' Horns (Marvin Thompson, James Cheeks, Clifton Brockington) into the mix, along with Jonathan Dubose on guitar and the mature background vocals of Vision and we have a sensational stew of musical brilliance.

An overture piecing together some of Smallwood's most remembered selections opens up this colorful set. Orchestrated by Darin Atwater, the eight-minute blossoming gem is covered with the intensity of classical music as it flows through songs like "I Love The Lord", "Total Praise" and "Center Of My Joy". But this is just the beginning of the journey. "Faith" showcases Smallwood's contemporary side as it volleys with a cool, infectious tempo and light-urban grooves. Smallwood's lead vocals fit just right on the jam, especially when the vamp finally kicks in with its funky musical arrangements and just share of attitude from Vision's background vocals. Even with all of the reprises on board, each song is met with excellent timing. Not one song is rushed or feels prolonged. Great case of example of that truth is on the memorable title track as Smallwood meditates on the simple opener for a few minutes and then steadily journeys into the prolific chorus. Powerhouse organ work from Ford, along with the intense, encouraging ad-libs from Smallwood, help drive this cut to the forefront of this album's highlights. "Come Before His Presence", sung by Debbie Stelle-Hall, is also a wonderfully constructed piece of art as it gleams over the popular text from Psalms 100. It is penned in the classic Smallwood style - mixing classical anthem structures with progressive traditional gospel sounds. A much needed reprise follows and is most certain to satisfy. "Holy Thou Art God" is another majestic masterpiece showing off stylish classical framework with its highly punctuated choral spells and crescendo phrasing. Vanessa Williams' lead vocals are in delightful form here as she edifies the lyrics with animated ad-libs and substantial exhortations on the spirited reprise. Other highlights transported on "Healing - Live In Detroit" include the finishing piano solo on "You Did It All" and the loving musical warmth captured on Raymond Reeder's "Be Open".

Some of the major reasons why this project stands out as a prized favorite is its unbreakable flow and its diverse musical patterns. Not one song assembled sounds like something Smallwood has concocted before and you can really sense the creative juice he releases on this set of compositions. It actually feels like a greater dimension of Smallwood's creativity. While projects like Sparrow's "Live" and "Adoration - Live In Atlanta" featured memorable highlights, this one is peacefully arranged: the vocals are more vibrant than ever, the production is cleaner and all of the songs bear star-quality. No wonder so many songs from this collection made its way into churches, community choir concerts, gospel radio and other social outlets. From the engaging ballad "You're Not Alone" (with its similar patterns to Brenda Russell's "Piano In The Dark") to the contemporary rendition of "At The Table", this project shows Smallwood at one of his most creative moments in musical history. It is a definitive work and demands a rightful place in the hallways of gospel music's treasured artifacts.