Live at Azusa, Vol. 4

by Carlton Pearson

Overview

Although this powerful gospel concert -- recorded in April 2001 -- is billed as a choir project featuring the intensely spirit-filled Pearson, there's an unbilled sweet surprise for those who listen down a few tracks. "(I'll Say) Yes, Lord, Yes/Have Thine Own Way" and "I Won't Be Back (Sweepin' Through the City)" are led by First Lady of Gospel Music Shirley Caesar. The first is a fiery duet with Pearson, highlighted by Caesar doing increasingly wild call and responses with the choir. The second is a crazy toe-tapper, with both Caesar and the choir making percussive vocal statements above the rolling organ. The choir functions as an echo for Caesar's guttural reach. Aside from those tracks, the show succeeds because it draws upon classic gospel tunes that are not tired and overplayed, like "Workin' on a Building/Jesus Is Real to Me" and the passionate ballad "It Took a Miracle." Vocalist LaShun Page is a definite solo vocal find, giving the finale, "Is Your All on the Altar?," a powerful thrust. The numerous spoken word passages/introductions, which were no doubt inspirational onstage but interfere with the musical enjoyment off, are the only drawback for the home listener. ~ Jonathan Widran

Product Details

Release Date:	09/18/2001
Label:	Tommy Boy
UPC:	0016998149423
Rank:	33553

Tracks

1. We've Come This Far by Faith
2. Medley
3. Medley
4. Ronzel Pretlow Introduction
5. It Overflows!
6. Shirley Caesar Introduction
7. Medley
8. I Won't Be Back (Sweepin' Through the City)
9. It Took a Miracle
10. Just Over 90 Years Ago...
11. Let It Breathe on Me
12. Medley
13. Is Your All on the Altar?

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Carlton Pearson   Primary Artist
Ronzel Pretlow   Primary Artist
Shirley Caesar   Primary Artist,Guest Artist
Rev. Gene Martin   Primary Artist
LaShun Pace   Primary Artist
Gene Martin   Primary Artist
Tramaine Hawkins   Guest Artist
Al Willis   Guitar
Michael Neuble   Drums
Alvin Fruga   Director
Jimmy Neuble   Bass

Technical Credits

Elisha A. Hoffman   Composer
Lynn Keesecker   Composer
Robert Lowery   Composer
Gene Martin   Performer
Anderson Thomas   Art Direction
Marvie Wright   Executive Producer
Demetrus Alexander Stewart   Executive Producer
Bishop Charles Mason   Composer
Russ Harrington   Photography
Albert Goodson   Composer
Dave Schrober   Mixing
John W. Peterson   Composer
Shirley Caesar   Performer
Traditional   Composer
Dan Cleary   Producer,Mixing
Tim Powell   Engineer
Eric Wyse   Executive Producer
Carlton Pearson   Liner Notes,Arranger
LaShun Pace   Performer
Bernie Grundman   Mastering