Reviewed by Tony Cummings

John is a fine Detroit-born saxman who's gigged with plenty of jazz and R&B heavyweights (including BB King, Aretha Franklin and Curtis Mayfield). In 1977 after seven years on the Las Vegas/Tahoe-Reno show circuit and after many years of drug and alcohol abuse, he came to a personal crisis and gave his life for Christ. Now blowing for Jesus, John here turns in a blistering album of highly charged groove-based music. Some of the tracks feature vocal guests, James Harrell is outstanding on the soulful "Zion" while "Dancin' In Da Fire" with a sassy girl chorus will no doubt attract more adventurous sanctified dance deejays. Keeping the grooves tight and contemporary is programmer/producer LeRoix Hampton. Jazz buffs will enjoy "Zaporajhe", nostalgists might be tickled by John's souped up version of the "Blessed Assurance" hymn and lovers of R&B-oriented saxmen will recognise a man able to blow the back off. If that isn't enough black evangelist Carlton Pearson suggests in the publicity blurb that John "blows down strongholds with his sax." How can you resist?

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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