Ricky Dillard & New G - The 7th Episode: Live In Toronto

Reviewed by Ian Hayter

A couple of years ago, Ricky Dillard started his own record label and, with support from EMI Gospel and Alliant Music, this album is their first project on this new label. With a 70-piece chorale and an exceptional bunch of backing musicians (including the excellent Philip Lassiter and The Stank Horns on brass), they recorded this set at The Rhema Christian Centre in Toronto. From the opening "Awesome God" to the dying chords of closer "Thou Art My God" this is a great performance. Soloists such as Nikki Ross on the beautiful "I Surrender All" and Dillard himself take the music off in all kinds of directions, with the New G Chorale humming, roaring or shouting along in the background. The live recording gives the whole set a great atmosphere and Michael Taylor's direction and production clearly draw the best out of the artists. Of the 15 tracks "Just Start Shouting" and "Faith" stand out, but they are all well worth listening to again and again.