Gospel Treat: Kurt Carr

Exuberance – my favorite word in the English language. And let me tell you, Kurt Carr and his 7-voice ensemble are exuberance personified on "One Church Project."

It's been out for a year now but it's still fresh. I loved this CD beginning to end. It's glorious gospel in the tradition of Ron Kenoly and Israel & New Breed; in other words, a very very good time.

Underlying the theme of "One Church" Carr assembles, on various cuts, a South African choir, Scottish bagpipers, an Armenian accordionist, an Indian sitar, and a full classical choir. Put it all together and let me tell ya, they are smokin'! From traditional foot-stompers and groovin' R&B jams, to reverential ballads, to world music eclectism, Karr and his Choir of Life covers it all. Standouts include soloist Timiney Figueroa-Caton's passionate "Why Not Trust God Again" and the burnin' "God Great God" featuring Nikki Potts. If you're ready to cut loose and let the streams of rejoicing flow from deep within you gotta get a hold of Kurt Carr's "One Church Project." And be prepared for a good time.