print: GOSPEL MUSIC REVIEW: Jackie Live! (Jacquelene Dyles Peters) | July, 2007 on BlackGospel.com

Jackie Dyles Peters (Jackie Live!)
Heart Feelings

July, 2007 on BlackGospel.com - Review by Em Fergusson

The emphatic voice of Jacquelene Dyles Peters bellows with conviction, proclaiming how free she feels. She ministers, proudly declaring Jesus Christ paid the price and what a joy it is to feel redeemed. Jackie’s voice takes a bold stance, as she sings about her Savior and how God rescued her from the shackles of an unfulfilling life.

Referred to as the inspirational psalmist, Jackie’s natural, melodic voice provides emotional healing through the soft, soul-laden songs featured on her 11-track, CD/DVD live recording at the Vine-Life Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California.

On this latest release, Jackie Live!, each warm ballad rolls into the other, creating a sincerity that conveys God’s everlasting abundance. Jackie defines the importance of emotional healing and shares her testimony throughout the Praise & Worship double-disc, testifying that God has the power to do anything.

The first track, ‘The Presence Of The Lord,’ emphasizes how God’s presence is something to sing and shout about. Besides exploring the theme of being thankful for God’s blessings in abundance, other issues are tackled. ‘Beauty For Ashes’ addresses personal insecurities of outside beauty. Jackie reveals how God has taken ugliness on the inside and transformed it into beauty.

Worship and praise is abundant on this album. On the selection, ‘I’m Walking In God’s Total Confidence,’ Jackie speaks of her faith in God, asserting that nothing will stop her: I’ve got the strength/I’ve got the power/And I’m not turning back! The heartfelt lyrics invite the listener to embark on the journey of walking with God. Once you put your trust in Him, the song says, you will receive numerous blessings.

The world is starving for a true spiritual and emotional healing. ‘I Am Here’ explores God’s all-powerful omnipresence, during dark and desperate moments. The reassuring lyrics soothe and offer listeners hope during hopeless situations.

“I have come to realize that the only answer to a hurting people is God,” explains Jackie, “Singing the Gospel, singing the Word of God, proclaiming His promises that this too shall pass….starts the healing process. I want to be an instrument in the hands of God that will be an avenue to people coming to know God in an intimate way.”

The strong contralto voice packs a strong message: Anything is possible when you put your faith in God. Jackie’s ministry on the album is a reflection of her life…how she has been transformed by God’s unconditional love. The ten-track project weaves a tale of survival and a brand new life in Christ.

The track, Who Am I declares how God’s love is all-powerful. The lyrics are beautifully woven, creating a tapestry of praise: What else can you do to show your love…Who am I/Who am I to you…In spite of all my doubts. . .you made it clear you loved me. Jackie continues to testify of God’s love on the hushed tones of Your Love Has Proven Itself to Me. The song speaks of God’s demonstration of love numerous times. Jackie pours out her heart, glorifying God for His sacrifice of descending from his throne, coming to earth to prove His love on the cross. Issuing her undying gratefulness, Jackie’s testimony of accepting God into her life is inspiring and uplifting.

The DVD is such an essential complement to the double-disc release, allowing the viewer to Jackie Live to see and experience the heart and passion Jacquelene Dyles Peters exudes, both as an artist and as a worship leader.

”I am grateful to God for allowing me this platform through my music, there is nothing that I would rather do and there is nothing that I have more satisfaction in doing than lifting up the name of Jesus in song,” says Jackie. “Through my songs, I want the listener to hear and feel a spirit of “intimacy” with God.”