STYLE: Gospel RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 115529-18204 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Stephen Luff
New Orleans pastor and artist follows up his self-titled debut with this set showcasing his silky smooth voice. In fact, the opener "Sanctuary" is a daring move being completely acappella and works well. Elsewhere, Whitfield's "There's Joy In Serving God" shows Jai's Stevie Wonder tendencies. The singing pastor demonstrates his songwriting skills on "He Will Take Care" (jointly written with Dereck Dabbs) on which he emotes, "Looking for peace of mind/Trying to make it those trying times/Depending on worldly things/Not knowing what tomorrow brings/When you've done all you can do/And you need to make it through/Just hold on and don't give up......I dare you to put your trust in him". Featured also are Gaither's "He Touched Me" which, impressively, Jai makes his own and Crouch's "Always Remember". Most songs on the album are on the gentler side of gospel, but the highlight for me is the funkier "You Were There" featuring Tony Smith. A well above average independent gospel release.
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