 |
 |
|
7/14/05 |
|
 
| 
Professor Wilbur Belton and the
LADWEC Music Mass Choir
Come Bless His Name Hailing from the Washington, DC area comes
Professor Wilbur Belton and the LADWEC Music Mass Choir with
their debut release, Come Bless His Name.
While some may be unfamiliar with this group, its prodigies read
like a Who's Who within progressive gospel music.
 The LADWEC Music Mass Choir is birthed
from the annual Labor Day Weekend Convention, which is a part of
the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith.
Over the years, this gathering has nurtured the talents of artists
including Jonathan Nelson & Purpose
(see album review) and the innovative Tye Tribbett and Greater
Anointing (see album review). Interestingly, not only does Professor Belton serve as a
gifted musician and arranger, he happens to be the uncle of
Tribbett. So it's no surprise that great music would come from this
aggregation.
This 17-track effort blends both traditional and contemporary
influences while showcasing the arranging and writing ability of
Belton, who partners with the heavy-hitting production and
musicianship of Steven Ford to deliver an exciting
effort.
The title track reflects the potency of this combination as Belton
and company drop serious heat with Rodney Harris serving on
lead vocals. "Lift Him Higher" is another track that bodes well in
the jam department.
This project has no shortage of choral gems that will definitely
strike a chord with any church choir. "Saved" speaks to the joys of
experiencing salvation and adequately shows Belton's ability to
arrange the simplest piece of music into a masterpiece. Denize
Blake provides the perfect lead vocals on this track.
"Oh Give Thanks" is another gem that will excite any fan of
James Hall & Worship and Praise, relative to its
orchestral and vocal arrangements.
The hymn "Higher Ground" gets an interesting twist as it begins in
its traditionally slow format and gets a head-nodding renovation
midway through the track. Leotha Brockington adds worthy vocals to
the track, allowing it to maintain its traditional vibe. The band
chimes in with an instrumental version of "He Touched Me",
highlighted by Ford on the Hammond B3 organ and Jonathan
Dubose on guitar. The band lets loose on "Power Praise", taking
you straight back Sunday morning Pentecostal jam sessions.
Belton and the LADWEC Music Mass Choir make an impressive entry
into the marketplace with this debut effort. Choir directors and
gospel music lovers alike will benefit from making this one a
permanent fixture to their collections.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
