Reviewed by Nigel Harris

Blu99 (Believer's Local Union #99) is "a gathering of singers and musicians from different denominations, different life experiences, ethnicities, schools of fashion, political parties and cultural backgrounds with a common purpose: to praise our God and draw others closer to him." Worship leaders Steve Hanson, Ron Smith and producer Jake Thorne have drawn together an amazing musical collective from across the San Francisco Bay area. Blu99 apparently includes well known musicians from both Christian and secular industries, with credits ranging from Billy Joel, Eric Clapton and Bonnie Raitt to Whitney Houston, Bryan Duncan and the Promise Keepers Band. As a result you can't pigeon hole their music. Their musical style encompasses gospel, R&B, rock and funk - all delivered with a foot-stomping energy that just draws you irresistibly to worship with them. It goes without saying that the musicianship and production are just outstanding. And the Blu99 horn section just HAS to be heard! The 14 tracks here include some of the leaders' own compositions, traditional hymns "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and "Come All Ye Faithful" given a gospel R&B treatment, and even a "guest sermon" from Rev Rondelle Whitman on "Yes, He Is". It doesn't get any better.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.