Search - Richard Smallwood :: Live

A great summation of Richard's "group" career.

Peace Brotha | Ohio, United States | 05/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Richard's recent recordings with his choir have won him many new devotees, and deservedly so. However, he was making music that was truly anointed even when he was with his core group of only 5-7 individuals (depending on the time period -- personnel tended to change frequently). "Live" is a perfect sum of, and cap to, that phase of his career, with material spanning from the early 1980's. There are a few songs that were new, such as "Take The Pain Away" and the album's highlight, "In The Shelter." There's also a wonderful 23 minute medley of the older material that flows perfectly, and arranged so that even listeners that are unfamiliar with the songs can appreciate them.The album closes with a blazing version of his 1990 hit "He's Able" with the incomparable Daryl Coley on guest ad-libs. Remarkable!This CD is outstanding and deserves a place in anyone's gospel collection. Snap one up before it goes out of print, and folks try to charge you an arm and a leg for a copy...it's nearing the 10 year mark!"