WOW Gospel 2000 (CD - 2000)

Things are explosive from the get-go on this millennial edition of the perennially popular WOW GOSPEL series. With nary a moment to soak up the introductory applause showered upon him, John P. Kee launches his stentorian New Life Community Choir into a frenetic romp through "Mighty God," galvanizing the crowd and setting a joyous tone for the next two hours of live and studio-recorded music.

A powerful backing choir is the foundation upon which the most soul-stirring variety of live gospel takes root, and WOW GOSPEL 2000 features the work of some of the best choirs in the business. The Radical for Christ collective doesn't double what the silky voiced Fred Hammond sings on a live, remixed version of "Jesus Is All"--the choir thickens the melody with a sinuous tonal color all its own. And few choirs can rival the sheer decibel-output potential of the Dallas Fort Worth Mass Choir, who practically steal the spotlight on "I'd Rather Have Jesus" from the song's featured soloist. But of course, no gospel collection worth its salt would be complete without a version of "Awesome God," sung here by Helen Baylor, with the understandably moved audience pitching in on the choruses. minimize