Eight men and six women form the acclaimed Voices of Lee (University of Cleveland, TN), directed since their debut in 1994 by Danny Murray, apply their rich harmonic blend and top-drawer soloists to their fourth winning album. "Encore" begins with Barry Manilow's "One Voice," a jazzy, upbeat "Power in Praisin' the Lord," a striking, powerful vocal-percussion gem, "Mercy Seat," the heartfelt "Ho, Everyone Who Is Thirsty" (arranged by Derrick Johnson), a scattish, bright arrangement of "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High," the Doo-Woppy Gospel number "When God Dips His Love," the traditional hymns "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Have You Met Jesus" (both also arranged by Johnson), and a bonus track of "Mercy Seat," our personal favorite. Ten songs in total, and there's not a weak track among them. Confident solos, solid harmonies, great arrangements-"Encore" just knocked our socks off! It's one of the best Contemporary Christian albums we've heard this year. |
