Album Notes

Gospel City Review - March 31, 2003

Lately church choirs have entered the gospel music industry releasing their own projects. With so many gospel artists having flourishing ministries at their home churches, it's understandable. But it's not only churches with noted gospel artists who are putting out projects - many other churches are venturing out into the gospel music business.

Bishop Michael V. Kelsey and The New Samaritan Mass Choir have added their names to that growing list of churches with gospel music releases. Their debut project is entitled I'll Sing To You. The CD was recorded live at New Samaritan Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. But let me tell you; this isn't the typical choir church project. Bishop Kelsey pulls out the big boys for this project. Doug & Melvin Williams, Bishop Paul S. Morton, the late Michael Robinson and Darlene Simmons all take part in this wonderful project.

Bishop Michael V. Kelsey, Senior Pastor of New Samaritan, begins this CD with the lively Fear Not , written by Isaiah D. Thomas. Also present throughout the project is a strong horn section, courtesy of Mo' Horns. Another great, powerful cut is There's Power In The Name. It's always good to be reminded of the power in the name of Jesus.

Bishop Paul S. Morton, founder of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, makes a contribution on the project with Come To Jesus Now. Bishop Morton, probably best known for his hit song Bow Down And Worship Him from the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship project of the same name, delivers his signature style of singing and exhortation on Come To Jesus Now. Three-time Grammy winners Doug & Melvin Williams sing on the Michael Robinson-penned track I've Been Blessed. The song has a true downhome feel.

Listeners may also find the song This Is The Day a favorite. The stirring choir vocals with the preaching style of Bishop Kelsey make for a nice combination. The song, which is already getting airplay, is an energetic plea for the Body of Christ to rejoice.

Not only are exceptional artists on this project but musicians as well. Calvin Rodgers, drummer for Bishop Larry Trotter, Kim Burrell and John P. Kee , among others, contributes to this CD. Also, the aforementioned Michael Robinson, known as an awesome keyboardist for Kirk Franklin and many other artists and co-minister of music at Greater St. Stephens Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Church in New Orleans under Bishop Morton, produced and wrote songs on I'll Sing For You. Sadly, Michael passed away suddenly only a few weeks after the release of this CD.

The title tune, I'll Sing To You, is a smooth, piano-textured song with strong choir vocals. And speaking of strong vocals, Darlene Simmons of Richard Smallwood's Vision belts it out on this cut. Doug & Melvin Williams return to sing the reverent song I Worship You. Marvin McCoy's tune, Don't Take Your Spirit From Me is another beautiful track with emotive singing from Tia Harris. Many will find Taking The Limits Off God a wonderful track. How many times do we put limits on God? The New Samaritan Mass Choir reminds us that there is nothing too hard for God.

Lift Him Up, a modern day rendition of the well-known hymn showcases the harmony-layered sounds of the Mass Choir along with soprano soloist Trinita Lattimore, sister of R&B artist Kenny Lattimore. The New Samaritan Mass Choir also records Maurette Brown Clark's song, Yes, That's My Father. Closing out this project is a reprise of the title tune, I'll Sing To You.

Congratulations to Bishop Michael V. Kelsey & The New Samaritan Mass Choir for delivering a very nice project!

By: Rene Williams