::ALBUM REVIEW::

The style of jazz music has always been considered loose, sexy and limitless. It's one of the only musical artforms where its own spontaneity has a mind of its own. And even though there are many people that have a problem with its uncontrollable nature, jazz music has evolved into the modern sounds of today with cooler character while strengthening the passion towards its rich fundamentals. Gospel jazz has even seen its share of evolutions lately. Before jazz legends were too scared to showcase their faith in God on record since so many radicals considered jazz to be heathen-oriented, but now those suggestions have been lifted. If you don't think so, experience the smooth and milky sounds of Tyrone Birkett's "In The Fullness Of Time"; a gospel collection featuring a stellar crew of professional musicians on top of awe-striking arrangements filled with killer improvisations and relevant grooves. The NY saxophonist/keyboardist brightens this professionally driven collection with charming solos and punctuated deliveries while penning or arranging all of the material offered. And with his wife, Paula Ralph-Birkett providing clean lead vocals, the album doesn't feel like a wordless jazz project trying to filter its way into the inspirational gospel category.

Kirk Franklin's "Brighter Day" is a force to be reckoned with. There is a funkier groove highlighted on this instrumental arrangement. Bring in the Rhodes boards, rendered by Steve Williams and Pablo Vergara, funky guitar work from Willie Brown and an infectious gospel rhythm solely accredited to Lonnie Christian on drums and the song feels like a East Coast midtempo contemporary track ready to receive background vocal work from Hezekiah Walker's Love Fellowship Crusade Choir. Birkett's sax leads the way as he milks the melody into the colorful arrangement. Place a big star on this track. "Perseverance" is a glorious ambitious event and bubbles with rich creativity. The influential slick chord changes of the legendary Charles Mingus can be easily heard here as it dabbles into several mood changes and smoldering mixes of Calypso, salsa and funk. And Ralph-Birkett does a great job providing the spiritual integrity to the empowering lyrics. "Contentment" is a revisit to cool contemporary jazz of the nineties. Lovely urban groove, memorable melodic line on the chorus and should be a delicacy to the ears of contemporary jazz lovers. Paul Mullins' worship hit, "Awesome God" is revised with a funky bottom and a bundle of sassy improvisations from Birkett, Pablo Vergara and Kirk Lyons on bass. There's even a meaty guitar solo from Willie Brown presented here that will definitely electrify Prince enthusiasts. This track is musical madness and puts a major spin on the worship classic.

Of course, ballads are present and are intimately crafted. They are also placed in the right spots; becoming wonderful transitional songs for the next mood. The jazz fusion of "In The Fullness Of Time", punctuated by a breezy vocal from Ralph-Birkett, is nicely rendered. It's wonderful to hear the cooling sounds of the seven-minute "Crystal Sea" - the music speaks to the soul and offers its own bag of healing remedies. "With Open Arms" is beautifully orchestrated - almost sounding like a Thom Bell/Philly track made for Phyllis Hyman. This notion is greatly received when hearing how Ralph-Birkett embraces the notes with a calm sensuality. That same vibe is captured on the slow ballad "Abundant Life". The song's lyric captures Jesus' heart and intention for us on Earth and clearly ministers the point with the inviting musical background. Even the tantalizing "How I Got Over/Relaxing On The Riverside" conjures plenty of creative juice as it opens with a quick fade-in from the memorable Aretha Franklin 1972 version of Clara Ward's hit into a light, peaceful moment that creates one of the most amusing transitional segments of the disc. You begin to wonder why this excerpt only goes on for a minute, but it's a wonderful inclusion and showcases Birkett's wit in the production seat.

The only critical problem resting on the disc is how straight-sounding Ralph-Birkett's vocals are on some of the smoky jazz arrangements. She, at times, has a voice that would work perfectly for background vocals. She does attempt to breathe character and depth in her clear vocals in certain places, but she uncovers vulnerable moments on the grittier music. It's like hearing Janet Jackson's soft voice on a busy musical arrangement from John Coltrane. Sometimes soft and hard can compliment one another, but like on the album's urban contemporary opener, "Testify", the two merges are not as likeable than when soft meets soft.

Still, "In The Fullness Of Time" is an abundant joy worth experiencing - jazz fanatic or not. Not too many projects like this come into the gospel realm, but when something this fresh and ingenious flows our way, it's best to treasure and value its pulse, its vibe and its meaningfulness. Even if this is just Birkett's tribute to God, it's one that shouldn't be ignored. A bright career in the jazz world is evident for him - and the same applies for Ralph-Birkett. Her voice is clean, clear and is quite youthful. Real musicians with a heart for serious music and are looking to learn new tricks will enjoy this set. And those with a ear for just cool music - disappointments will be very few here.