The veteran jazz/gospel keyboardist takes the role of ringleader on this powerful and soulful date with the 14-piece Beloved choir. The songs cover both the classic-styled big organ, huge choir sweeping praise type and more subtle passages that draw upon
Coley's jazz piano background. The opening track, "Because He's God," is a stomping, blues-drenched explosion which begins with
Coley urging some serious handclapping and continues with the typical intensely grooving female vocalists. "He Will Make a Way" is a much gentler, jazzy expression featuring a raspy lead vocal and an elegant harmonic piano line. The same pattern continues throughout, with the retro-funky heat of "Lean on Me" followed by the torching ballad "Exchanged." There are also a few brief narration passages tucked in just in case you're listening without holding your Bible. ~ Jonathan Widran