STYLE: Ambient/Meditational RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 170311-27952 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
The second release from Congo-born, Dallas-based pianist, arranger and producer Gilbert Mulamba is a truly international affair with a whole host of celebrated musicians chipping in to make what the accompanying press release states is "a mosaic of cultures, sounds and grooves for an ultimate worship experience." Amongst those making fleeting cameos are Take 6 vocalist Joel Kibble, CeCe Winans' bassist Thaddaeus Tribbett and Dove Award-winning piano player Ben Tankard whilst Marcus Mitchell's sax and Gilbert's piano play major roles throughout this lush and predominantly instrumental praise offering. Resisting the urge to simply offer up bog standard replications, Gilbert and company use the melodies of familiar worship tunes like "Here I Am To Worship" (Tim Hughes), "How Great Is Our God" (Chris Tomlin) and "Awesome God" (Rich Mullins) as starting points to form what are essentially variations on themes with different musical textures and instruments weaving in and out in easy listening fashion. Nods to Gilbert's African roots plus forays into reggae and smooth jazz - often within the same song - make for a varied listen and this, along with the plethora of different contributors and their instruments, helps keep things rolling along despite the fairly lengthy nature of most of the tracks on offer. Interestingly, any vocal contributions are kept fairly low in the mix to maintain the general soaking music feel of the project although the stripped-back Mulamba original "I Need U" sees a trio of soulful vocalists take centre stage to good effect. Occasionally, proceedings stray a little into backing track territory - most notably near the end in the non-specific "Worship Medley" and a laidback version of the Lee Ann Womack hit "I Hope You Dance" - but there's no doubting the supreme talent of all involved on this fluid and sumptuous release.
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