One Church (CD - 2004)

Personnel: Kurt Carr Singers, Choir Of Life (vocals); Doc Powell (guitar); Section Quartet (strings); Maurice Rogers (piano, organ, keyboards); Luther "Mano" Hanes (keyboards, programming); Maurice Fitzgerald (bass instrument); Terry Baker (drums, programming); Sheryl Harper (drums); Kevin Ricard (percussion).

Kurt Carr, in his ascendance to a position near the pinnacle of the gospel world, has embraced music and thought from varied aspects of the world, a trait suffused throughout his polychromatic music. His 2005 live record, ONE CHURCH, embodies the open-minded nature that nurtures his music, and the genuine passion that drives him.

The opening track, "Reign," at first seems a familiar contemporary gospel tune (a la Kirk Franklin), but then the jazzy keyboard lines meld with swirling pop synthesizers for an original touch. On "God Great God," Carr proposes throwing out all denominations (hence "one church") with ardent shouts filled with passion and glory. Rarely afraid to travel unknown roads, Carr asks "Have you ever heard an accordion in church?" on "Psalm 68 (Let Our God Arise)," before throwing in a Spanish guitar for good measure. The resultant track is a magnificent song that switches directions for a truly rapturous feel. Kurt Carr is one of the most exciting voices in modern gospel, and ONE CHURCH captures his flair. minimize