The Live Experience (CD - 2004)

Rance Allen: Rance Allen (vocals); Terry Faison (guitar); Courtney Dwight (organ, programming); Chris Byrd (keyboards); Gordon Henry (bass guitar); Nicholas Allen (drums).

Additional personnel: Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, LaShun Pace (vocals).

This live album from singing tour de force Rance Allen and his brothers Tom and Steve Allen epitomizes the power and grandeur of gospel music. While closely allied with soul and R&B, each tune on THE LIVE EXPERIENCE is ultimately centered on a Christian theme. Recorded at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, this album features fellow gospel crooners Kirk Franklin, LaShun Pace, and Fred Hammond. Moreover, a smoking-hot horn section (performing arrangements by Lloyd Barry) accompanies the funky rhythm section.

On THE LIVE EXPERIENCE, the Allen brothers sing a mixture of new and classic material. The group's R&B hit "I Belong to You" is particularly inspired. This track includes smooth vocal harmonies, jazzy chords, and sudden punctuations from the brass section. "Something About the Name Jesus" is a newer tune that focuses on the ascendancy of Christ. On this piece, Franklin preaches over the mellow doo-wop stylings of the brothers Allen. This concert recording offers 13 electrifying tracks for fans of R&B-flavored gospel. It also proves that Rance Allen and company still have what it takes to really charm audiences. minimize