New Birth Total Praise Choir - A New Beginning

By Cherisse Stephens

Bishop Eddie Long presents the New Birth Total Praise Choir with an offering that is sure to bless you. At the helm of production, is the talented and anointed BOND… Kevin Bond that is. Bond brings his one-of-a-kind flavor to this church choir as only he can. If you can’t make it to the house of the Lord but still want to be ministered to, then just get a copy of A New Beginning. You’ll experience the presence of the Lord in a mighty way! Here are a couple highlights from this incredible CD.

The CD begins with the voice of Bishop Eddie L. Longpreaching about Dreams! This short snippet is so powerful; it will have you asking for more. And guess what, you won’t be disappointed because the Bishop preaches throughout. I love the fact that they’ve brought the best of both worlds together - praise, worship and the Word.

It Shall Come To Pass , written by Bond and Kim McCormick, is power packed. I love the lyrics and music on this number. It’s a strong way to start after such an anointed sermonette from the Bishop. It’s hard to find quality music for church choirs lately but this offering is excellent.

Lord We Bless Your Name is nothing but rejoicing to an upbeat tempo. If you understand the power of praise and worship; then you’ll sing this tune over and over. Bond cultivates new writers on this project; Darrell Freeman co-wrote on this song.

A New Beginning has such a universal message and speaks volumes to the believer or anyone who wants to start over again. The band really brings it all together on this track. F.L.O.W. (the band’s name) consists of the very best musicians in the industry. Bond along with Derriuex Edgecombe, John Ely, Jonathan Dubose, Darrell Freeman, Ronald Jamesand the one and only Jeremy Haynes are putting it down as only they can. After hearing this number, I’m ready to begin again…

Just when you’ve enjoyed the music; here comes the Bishop; preaching like he’s gone CRAZY (in a good way). Bishop! What in the world…I can’t describe it, I just know I’m enjoying it. God Is has a funky beat that is sure to have your churches rocking on Sunday morning. KB understands ministry and delivery; he has something for everybody. The words say: God is an awesome God, God is an awesome God, God is an awesome God, He is an awesome God! Can you remember that? Thank you Kevin for writing with every church choir and praise team in mind!

Anybody looking for healing in your body, spirit and mind needs to skip everything I just mentioned and go straight to track 8, Be Healed. This song speaks to the inner spirit of those who need God to come to their rescue right away. Ronald James plays a saxophone solo skillfully. This is one of those holy of holy numbers where you enter into a place where no one is but you and God (The most Holy place). Remember the song; I’ll Take You There? Well, this one takes you straight there. Glory to God!

The inner court experience continues with Sacrifice Of My Praise. Just continue to worship the Lord as you offer the sacrifice of praise. I’m not sure, but I’m almost certain that Kevin Bond has been in the very presence of the Lord. You can’t write songs like this without having an intimate relationship with the Lord. If you’re serious about worship, then this is the CD for you.

Christ In Me is, well, to put it mildly…HOT. Okay, raise your hands and stomp your feet on this number! Kevin is doing what he does best and that’s called bringin it. Unfortunately, you’ve got to be the bomb on keys to duplicate this number. Maybe Bond has a track he can sell ya with just the music so your choir can sing this one! (Just having fun ya’ll). You’ll enjoy this one fo real.

Make His Praise Glorious and Magnify the Lord are sure to have you giving the Lord the praise. Magnify the Lord takes me back to church back in the day; when the choir really had to sing on Sunday morning. Chris Byrd wrote Make His Praise Glorious. These two tracks are definitely for "Sunday Go To Meeting Service." Thanks guys!

Holy Are You Lord was written by percussionist Jeremy Haynes. Wow, Jeremy…you’re a worshipper, huh? This song is pure worship and speaks right to the heart of God. The song also translates into Spanish. How awesome is that! This song is simply beautiful. Reprise needed for this tune! Somebody say "Worthy, honor and adored…"

Bishop Long continues to preach the word of the Lord concerning Joseph. Hey Bishop, this is my story… how did you know? (laughing) Bishop says with power; “I’m about to be exposed.” Is that anybody’s testimony? I mean, can I get a witness! After you’re finished shouting, Kevin ushers us back into the presence of the Lord with glory, honor and power. A beautiful and skillfully instrumental is played that will have you reminiscing about God’s glory. Whew! Awesome God.

All I can say is that this is A New Beginning for the New Birth Total Praise Choir. Thank you Bishop for being a radical man of God who preaches with authority. Thank you Kevin Bond for letting us in on your journey into the Most Holy Place. And thank you to the New Birth Total Praise Choir for being the Levites who help us witness this experience.