Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Back in 1972 when Andrae Crouch was first thinking of fusing gospel with more contemporary sounds, Rance Allen was not only doing that but had already signed to the famous Stax label, crossing over nearly a decade before Crouch. When it comes to gospel pioneers Rance Allen is there in the line that continues through Crouch, the Winans, Fred Hammond and Kirk Franklin to Tonex today. A complete pioneer blessed with a heart stopping voice that winds its way from the low growls of a gospel shouter to the falsetto of a sweet soul singer, sometimes in just one line! Incredible talent like this still shines through even though his music is no longer cutting edge. Working as a trio with brothers Tomas and Steven and a pile of fine sessioners, the result here is rather pleasing. He's a fine songwriter and penned the lion's share of the material here. Standouts include the jaunty funk of "Do Your Will", the moody intensity and gorgeous vocals of "Honey Out Of The Rock" and the encouragement of "Blessing Me Again". There's quite a lot of this which is simply pretty good quality standard contemporary gospel and then very occasionally it totally catches fire like on the opening Deitrick Haddon produced cut "Living Witness" which captures Allen at the top of his game.

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