For gospel music dosed with tribal rhythms, a warm horn section, a sizzling funk groove, & a sincere ministry focus, it's "Alive in South Africa" from Israel & New Breed.
Israel Houghton and his New Breed band always bring an intelligence and Scriptural focus to their work that hikes up the standard for us all. “Live From South Africa,” their two disc set recorded live in Cape Town, South Africa, is no exception. Rich and textured, stylistically diverse, and always vertical, “Live” offers something for everyone. Once again Houghton partners in the production duties with friend and keyboardist extraordinaire, Aaron Lindsey, and together they craft a highly accessible, moving, ministry-oriented 2 hours plus of exciting gospel music. The album was recorded in two sets, and there are moments when the energy level seems to dip, but they always pull it back up.
Opening with the funkfest with “Alive,” their fiercest album opener ever, Israel is clearly at the top of his game from the outset, his strong vocals bouncing atop a bed of twinkling funk guitars that never let up. “Favor of the Lord” has a traditional gospel feel, and New Breed never sounded better. You get the opportunity to see Israel’s heart for the crowd as he attempts to teach them the intro to “Turn It Around” acapella before slamming full throttle into the joyous song of gratitude, and oh, those guitars! The melodic “Not Forgotten” follows, rich with horns and percussive delights, and moves things into a free flowing time of ministry, including a tender solo from Israel’s daughter Mariah and his own heartfelt message from Zephaniah 3:17. Encouraging the crowd to keep their eyes heavenward, New Breed moves through “Take the Limits Off” and “No Limits,” as well as a brief sermon from Tudor Bismarck, before the poignant and dramatic “It’s Raining.” The disc closes with the simmering organ and call-and-answers of “Surely.”
Disc Two is the more worshipful of the two, moving through the rousing openers “Still Standing” and “I Will,” where Israel leads the crowd into joyous celebration as only he can. The “African Skies” interlude softens the mood nicely before the wondrous Stacey Josephs takes the stage, and oh does she take it, for the testimony of “You’ve Been a Friend.” The tone drops from this point into a quieter groove as the band offers a series of worship songs, the lush “Alpha and Omega” standing out for the choir’s outstanding fervor. South African jazz musician Jonathan Butler brings the sizzle back with “Come and Let Us Sing” with his nimble guitar work. The album’s last tracks feature moments of great drama (“Your Latter Will Be Greater”), slammin’ gospel (“You Are Good”), and Israel’s warm crooning (“He Knows My Name”). The exuberant praise and worship of “Live From South Africa” leaves you breathing hard and giving thanks. Let the good times roll.
While you're here, check out Israel's AMAZING new Christmas album!
