Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

I met Charles Woolfork when I was in America earlier in the year and was amazed by the journey of his faith. His music and life embody an active faith, tried and tested in the fire, and he's come through more passionate, having proved God in hard circumstances. It's been a hard road as he saw death first hand on the front line in the US army during Desert Storm. He's been diagnosed with cancer and seen God come through with healing and Charles has also suffered the pain of marital breakdown and yet even here God s grace has worked deeply inside him. Consequently, this excellent R&B gospel album isn't filled with theories but an experience of God when it matters most - during the hard times. Charles is passionately pursuing the God who has turned his life around. The album takes in such a huge variety of styles and the songs buzz with the realities of a life changing faith, so you get some of his testimony in Turning Point and the call and response reggae of Jehovah Dance. The 60s soul influenced gospel of He Washed Me tells of his salvation, whilst the dramatic intro to Never Let Me Down and the song's understated funk tells of a faithful God helping in every situation. There's more funk on the slow groove of Lift Yo Hands whilst the ballad It Is Well is a blissed out soulful encouragement for those going through a hard time. In all of these songs Charles is simply passing on the realities of the comfort that he has received from God in order to minister to others and it s powerful stuff. For me, the highlights are the out and out thundering R&B kicking groove of the title cut - a totally uncompromising call to follow God. Then theres the funk of Da Holyghostparty, encouraging you to get your praise on! Both tracks are infectious slabs of R&B gospel at its finest. The Bible talks about those who have been forgiven much loving much and that Scripture is reflected in every song on this album; as Charles Woolfork demonstrates just how powerfully gospel music can minister to the soul.

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.

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