Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

New Yorker Jammie is man with a mission "to create music that will touch the world. . . to reach the poor and the disheartened." This is the singer's album debut and is by no means a straight, traditional gospel style project, instead Jolly plumping for a chilled-out, jazz gospel sound with some funk and urban element thrown in. There's a pervasive early mid-'90s flavour to many songs, and some artists who sprung to mind while listening included the likes of Jodeci and Tony! Toni! Tone! with occasional hints of Joe Sample's piano, although overall more chilled than those luminaries. Lyrically the songs are full of testimony to the work of God but there is way too much unnecessary repetition particularly on "Question My Faith". Highlights are the funky "Saved And Sanctified," a celebration of the security and joy of the Christian life, and "Tell Me" a declaration of the reality of God's presence along with the need to "stay prayed up and down on your knees." But the occasional off note in the vocal pitching department are a disappointment.

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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