Real (CD - 2002)

Personnel includes: Israel Houghton (vocals, guitar); Tommy Sims (arranger, acoustic guitar, bass); John Catchings (cello); The Nashville String Machine (strings); Sam Levine (flute); Bobby Taylor (oboe); Mark Douthit (saxophone); Jeff Bailey (trumpet); Aaron Lindsey (piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Paul Garcia (keyboards, programming); Tim Akers (keyboards); Dan Needham (drums); Javier Solis (percussion); Tata Vega, Bethel World Outreach Choir, Andre Crouch Singers (background vocals).

Recorded at The Compound, Sound Kitchen, Franklin, Tennessee; Quad, Nashville, Tennessee; Barry Paul, Hollywood, California; Pauly's Place, San Antonio, Texas.

Surrounded on either side by live albums, Israel & New Breed's Real is in the minority as a full-on studio album. Having made a name for themselves touring the country and putting on larger-than-life praise & worship concerts, going into the studio could have been a fish-out-of-water experience for Israel and his crew. Though the color of the project is certainly different, including sounds otherwise not heard from this group, including the occasional drum sample and sweeping string segments, Israel's musical integrity and hallmark quality make the studio seem as natural a fit as the stage. The lack of an audience to interact with does dampen some of the electricity that his devoted fans have come to expect. If the listener can transition and appreciate this giant of the gospel music world in a new context, there are some real gems to be found and appreciated. The dramatic arrangements are epic in scope, and the band kicks with surgical precision, as always. Every tune has a different timbre, a different color, which is a welcome change from the limiting nature of live projects. Of course the fidelity is lush and exciting. All acquainted with his work know Israel to be one of the most exciting gospel artists of the day. The addition of Real to their collection will only strengthen that conviction. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez minimize