Uplifting performances and innovative arrangements continue to be the calling card of Anthony Brown and his Stellar Gospel Music Award-winning band group therAPy, so much so that the songwriting on an album like
Everyday Jesus can be overlooked. Make no mistake, this LP is sincere and well-written, with the single "Worth" being Brown's lyrical high point to date, but when the title track swings it retro, as if
Steely Dan was playing the tune, attention is diverted to the performances once again.
Everyday Jesus flows just like a live Gospel show, with "Free" and "Grateful People" making for an epic close, plus the guest list comes in and out like an all-star revue with
Chrystal Rucker,
Da TRUTH, and
Maurette Brown Clark all stealing the show, or at least borrowing it for a minute. ~ David Jeffries