Over the past decade, Chicago's VaShawn Mitchell has left his mark on the US gospel music scene and this album is currently high in Billboard's gospel charts. Mitchell's passion and skill as a choral arranger and composer are evident straight away, as the intensity of the first track leads into the slower "Nobody Greater". This is gospel for people who love their call-and-response choir pyrotechnics with big Earth, Wind & Fire-style horn sections and a tight rhythm section. The perfectly executed drum break at the beginning of "Chasing After You" is particularly awesome while the synth line on "I Need You" is both perfectly unexpected and fits like a glove. Mitchell has an excellent understanding of songwriting, married perfectly with strong composition, and while his songs perhaps aren't as immediately memorable as those Kirk Franklin may pen, there is a real worship anthem here with "Nobody Greater" and every number here is well thought through and constructed.
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Product Description
True to its title, TRIUMPHANT, the upbeat and inspirational project was recorded live at Higher Living Christian Church (formerly New Birth South), the Atlanta-based ministry where VaShawn has been minister of music since 2007.
The progressive, urban styles of the southern metropolis can be felt throughout the album; however VaShawn never strays far from the sound and influences of his hometown, Chicago, IL.