Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

Jason Nelson has perhaps previously best been known for writing the title track on Marvin Sapp's 2007 CD 'Thirsty' but, following 'I Shall Live' in 2005 and 'Place Of Worship' in 2008, Jason continues to share his ministry in this 2012 release. Comparisons have been made between his and Marvin Sapp's sound, and he credits growing up listening to The Winans and Commissioned (when Marvin was part of the group) as having a profound influence on him. Jason states, "I just love God and I think people will be able to hear my relationship with God through my music" and the one thing he wants all listeners to take away from the CD is that "their praise and worship is power. If people utilise their praise and worship things really can change for them." The songs take the listener on a journey through praise and worship; the opening celebratory declaration that "God is good", the reclaiming of our stolen inheritance in "Jubilee", the realisation of our worth as a child of God in "Don't Count Me Out" with the beautiful words ". . .his glory is resting on me/I'm his choice, after his heart/There's a King in me/Goliaths to defeat." "Nothing Without You" drops the pace down to a more reflective time before the title song encourages us to keep worshipping throughout the ups and downs of life until the heavens open. For me two songs stand out; firstly "No Words", an emotively-performed 6/8 ballad duet with Leon Timbo declaring that the holy God leaves us speechless: "There are no letters that fit together to testify/None can describe your love, your mercy...your sacrifice/So I'll just say Oh...". At the other end of the tempo spectrum is "Your Favor", a great gospel song featuring tight offbeat rhythm, grooving bass line, brass stabs and rich backing vocals. The musicianship and production are first class, the songs both melodic and full of God, and Jason has a wonderfully smooth, soulful voice that he knows how to use properly. All in all, a winning combination.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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