print: GOSPEL MUSIC REVIEW: Lifestyles Of Worship (Kenneth Wilson) | February, 2007 on BlackGospel.com

Lifestyles Of Worship
Kenneth Wilson & The Kenneth Wilson Chorale
(Multi provision Music)

February, 2007 on BlackGospel.com - Review by Jennifer Belot

At first listen there is a certain nostalgic air to the music ministry of Dr. Kenneth Wilson and the Kenneth Wilson Chorale. Rightfully so; Dr. Wilson penned “Prepare To Meet Him” over twenty-seven years ago for the legendary Reverend James Cleveland. All these years later, the Detroit native has not lost his flourish or faith for writing spiritually evocative hymns, sure to stir up memories of that old time religion.

Writer, keyboardist, director, producer, publisher, minister of the gospel and businessman, the multi-talented Dr. Kenneth Wilson has produced over 100 Praise & Worship songs over his long musical career. The recording by Reverend Cleveland in 1979 was just the fortuitous beginning that put Wilson on the map. Thereafter Wilson, a member of Greater Grace Temple Church under the pastorship of spiritual father Bishop David L. Ellis, who incidentally defrayed the costs of Wilson’s musical education spread his wings. As a pupil of both the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and later on, Late Rev. Donald Vails, Wilson perfected his art and formed the Kenneth Wilson Chorale in 1988.

After three Bobby Jones Gospel Diamond Festival awards, four albums (Prepared to Meet Him, Not until You’re Ready, Go Ahead and Praise Him, and Woke Up This Morning), and a successful eight year run of the late night cable program Late Night Praise & Worship, Kenneth Wilson & The Kenneth Wilson Chorale are finally poised to make a grand re-entrance on the gospel stage (call it a Renaissance) with their latest recording on indie label Multi-Provision Music entitled Lifestyles of Worship.

The sound of Kenneth Wilson & KWC has been compared to some very influential personalities in the gospel’s short history including the likes of the late Thomas Whitfield, a fellow Detroit native son. Songs like We Sit Now And Hear The Word of God draw listeners into the traditional gospel era with old-school-down-south-hand-clapping rhythms. Meant to be sung before the sermon, this hearty serving of down-home gospel is not for the faint at heart as it will have you on your feet doing a Pentecostal jig and waving the Bible high in the air.

Comparisons abound here as the singers transform themselves with almost chameleon-like precision from the vintage sounds of God has Forgiven – which in raw vocal quality alone lends itself to an authentic vintage tinge reminiscent of the LA Gospel Messengers – to the collection of chorale songs which hearken back to the heyday of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Although more Praise & Worship than straight chorale music, Lord Have Your Way, with its prominent percussives, Rejoice The Lord Is King, in all it’s a capella splendor and Honor and Glory’s worshipful melodies are all sure to become classic praise songs to be sung by congregations far and wide.

From Praise & Worship to modern music, Let Go And Sin No More is a smooth, contemporary number highlighting the rich tenor of Chris Poole. The song speaks of the need to release strongholds in our lives and receive forgiveness from God. Faster-paced, but along the same contemporary vein, Keep On A Garment of Praise is relevant to the younger generation of churchgoers who need to know that despite the trials of life, they must praise God always.

Triumph is a common theme throughout the album as the choir can be found loudly proclaiming the victory in Jesus’ name. Because of What Jesus Has Done features the vigorous soprano of Evangelist LaJimmease Murray-Jones whilst Victorious In The Lord continues the lyrical tradition of the former, chanting with self-assured gusto “I am victorious, you are victorious, we are victorious in the Lord!”

There is a dramatic flair to the prayerful Saturate Me With Your Anointing featuring soloist Pamela D. Smith. The simple lyrics are poignant in their worshipfulness as the choir starts in quiet unison and breaks into harmonious pleading for more of the Holy Spirit and leading seamlessly into Fresh Oil, and in so doing ushering in the presence of God by way of uplifted hands and tearful adoration.

The choir includes some interesting components to their style, infusing it with classical fare such as is found in His Holiness fusing together the pious sounds of the organ, classical chorale vocals and beatific lyrical content.

Lifestyles of Worship refers to the collective vow of Kenneth and his chorale members to “…glorify God in [their] music ministry and in a true Christ-like lifestyle” and though I am not personally acquainted with them, their music ministry certainly gives the impression that they are living the words they sing about in their songs. Kenneth says it best in these humble words: “God is still developing his character in me and I am now ready to do great things for the Kingdom of God in many ways… I am now learning that it is the lifestyle that makes the difference…True worship is a lifestyle”