The late Minister Thomas Whitfield, a gifted contemporary Gospel legend from Detroit, was considered by many to be a pioneer in the praise and worship genre.  His passing in 1992 left a void in the gospel music industry that his brothers David and Larry Whitfield have diligently worked to fulfill with the launch of The Whitfield Music Group, founded two years after the passing of Thomas.  With their latest release "This Time", released on Barrow Music Group, the musical legacy started by their brother is re-birthed with a fresh and original sound that is still reminiscent of the late Thomas Whitfield.

In a remake of the Whitfield classic, Oh In My Spirit, the ballad takes on a contemporary twist, all-the-while retaining its verbal potency as the traditional choral vocals avow the spiritual truth that Jesus is Lord. 

"Give to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!" 

Those are the words found in 1 Chronicles 16:29 and the basis for We Worship, a hymn of praise wherein the singers minister with their voices lifted in rhythmic adoration.  In keeping with the worship-oriented theme prevalent throughout the album are Render Praises, a funky invitation to praise and shout as well as I Worship You.  “I worship you in spirit and in truth, your will I will do Oh Lord I worship you” The words, though simple, are not diminished in their poignancy as The Whitfield Music Group harmonize in heartfelt devotion.

In a voice that is so frighteningly reminiscent of his anointed brother, “Thommy”, David Whitfield ministers with animated fervor in Just A Little Talk, while light percussive cadences accentuate the singers’ need to have a conversation with God through all the perplexities of this world. 

The title track, This Time is a semi-acoustic ballad in a narrative style that hints of neo-soul influences, wherein the singers promise to yield their spirit to God’s leading.  Newcomer Marquida Mobley’s fresh falsetto ushers listeners into a quest for a deep-seated relationship with Christ in the pop ballad Intimacy (into-me-see).

Backslider, an original Thomas Whitfield composition, is the urban hit of the album, bringing together the rap ministry of Carvelle “The Psalmist” Lipscomb with the acoustic guitar and sequenced rhythms in an appeal to those who may have lost their way. 

Proclamation has Stacie Whitfield’s’ honeyed mezzo soprano declaring the Lord’s grandeur while jazz-inspired melodies, Dreamer and I Want To Always Know You are soulful  melodies reiterating the need for a relationship with Jesus.

Unpretentious worship is the phrase that best characterizes the temperament of This Time.  Its simple phraseology and uncomplicated melodies are precise in their message of worship and relationship.   The Whitfield Music Group say it best in their personal testimony: "We are endeavored to sing knowing that when we evoke the glory of the Lord, He makes His presence known and available…"  This Time is a remarkable independent release that successfully pays homage to the Maestro, while offering stylistic ode and inspirational music to the Master.