::ALBUM REVIEW::

Thomas Whitfield, up to this time, had more hit records under his belt to prove a serious point. He was not just a gospel artist that created albums to just sing to, he artistically created them with the purpose in mind to bring a majestic glamour upon the surface of gospel music. And that glorious beauty, labeled as the "Whitfield sound", sent both the "Hallelujah Anyhow" and "I'm Encouraged" albums, both released during the eighties, to the top of Billboard's Gospel charts. But what sets "Alive & Satisfied" (1992) apart from any of Whitfield's masterpieces prior to his other offerings is that there was an artistic perfection that he delivered, along with great technology and production (probably the result of a better budget). Plus, each available track is met with a polishing finish that shows no sign of aging. And while this is a studio project, there is a live atmospheric grace present which is highlighted by spectacular musicians including Whitfield (keyboards, synthesizer), James Neuble (bass), Michael Neuble (drums) and Michael Mindingall making a few appearances on organ.

The compositions here are another treat for those that cherish Whitfield's style of arranging and producing. He pulls out an incredible rendition of "Nothing But The Blood" (not to be confused with the 1990 arrangement on the "And They Sang A Hymn" album), which reveals a passionate, soulful vocal from Lateria Wooten as she pleads over God's great sacrifice for mankind. When the vamp slowly enters the scene, the music drops into a calmer mood while the Whitfield Company pulls out a deep and mature "oh" that only serious professionals can recreate. Then the explosive ending puts the right exclamation at the end of the sentence. The classic, "Precious Jesus/Overture of Worship", is also featured and features a moment of intimacy with God that probably help spark Gospel's interest in the praise-and-worship genre. "Oh, Hallelujah" follows in that same vein, but with much emphasis on the musical patterns from Whitfield's virtuoso piano interpretations. Gwen Morton's soprano delights the song with a enduring sensitive touch. "Only A Look" is another one of those infamous productions from the Maestro that delivers all of the stylings of previous favorites like "God Is On My Side" and "When I'm Weak, I'm Strong". And amazingly, the song shuffles into "When We See Jesus"; a wondrous, yet forgotten hymn. With Sandra Hudson pouring out a sweet solo and the Whitfield Company providing one of their best smoldering background efforts on record, this song is best described as being a bold, intimate portrait of musical innovation and dazzling personality. "I'll Love Him Just The Same", another sweet ballad, patterns that same awesomeness.

One of Gospel's greatest moments of all time is also presented: Whitfield's special solo and his special piano performance on the poetic "In Case You've Forgotten". The lovable nature of this intimate piece gives this track a deserving dose of favor for listeners. And if you have a perfected ear, you can even catch a brief inclusion of Andrae' Crouch's "Always Remember" towards the closing.

Churchy numbers are also represented, which should never be ejected from a Whitfield record. "Let Everything Praise Him" is a tour-de-force with its bumping phrasing and walking bass lines. Scott Bard opens the gateway for an exciting Sunday Morning experience with his lead vocal, while Wendy Davis takes over and is capped with Whitfield's exhortations towards the end. But it is the unforgettable, and constantly sampled, musical tag that gets things running towards the end. You can hear it on fast numbers by the Chicago Mass Choir, Donald Lawrence and even on the Whitfield Company's "Still" project. And then there's the very-special "We Remember (Medley)", which merges in nine minutes a good chunkful of Whitfield's special wonders such as "Hallelujah Anyhow", "With My Whole Heart", "Oh How I Love Jesus" and Rudolph Stanfield's "Never Alone" and "Down At The Cross". Several vocalists join Whitfield in the memorable flashback down memory lane including Dorothy Jenkins-Gardner, Juliette Copper, Bethany "Jodi" Harris and Larry Whitfield.

Every track here is carefully constructed and is designed just right for the listening ear. It was his last recording to the public before his untimely death, but it was one of his better works in terms of sound and versatility. "Hallelujah Anyhow", "And They Sang A Hymn" and "I'm Encouraged" may have had all of the favorites most may remember of Whitfield, but "Alive & Satisfied" feels calmer on the ear and reveals the Maestro's heart towards musical excellence like never before. Definitely a wonderful experience artistically all the way through.