Reviewed by Gareth Hills

If the Yellowjackets had received a church upbringing, their music would probably sound a lot like Harold Rayford. I am always a little apprehensive when it comes to "crossover jazz" albums, as they often feature the kind of music one finds wafting from the speakers of hotel foyers and elevators. This album is a solid testament how an artist can maintain genuine originality and identity without descending to the clichés of soft jazz. Rayford fuses the slickness of crossover jazz with the passion and energy of gospel and has created a very enjoyable album. I particularly liked "Every Night My Father Plays" and the dirty funk of "Ummmm". "Alpha & Omega" is a worship song which plays Rayford's sax against a minimalist gospel choir, and the 'Living For The City' style of "Down Thru The Years" also works well. While the album isn't anything especially groundbreaking, Rayford's playing and arrangements breathe life into the gospel jazz field.

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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