Lucinda Moore - Debut Album

By Peggy Oliver

Follow the building blocks. That was the surefire path to a career as Gospel vocalist and worship leader. As her family provided various tools in childhood, Lucinda Moore climbed the ladder and the dividends have paid off. Her self-titled CD from Tyscot Records initiates her major solo recording phase. In a nutshell, the Bridgeport, Connecticut native had the calling with many mentors and influences. Her grandmother disciplined her about the finer points of singing in the choir, along with her mother’s edification in Biblical principles. After Moore’s father passed while still a teenager, she did not fold up the tent, instituting a long working relationship with Tremaine Hawkins. A strong core of Gospelteers, including Tremaine, The Clark Sisters, and Pastor Donnie McClurkin created a solid foundation for Moore’s approach to the masses. Eventually Hezekiah Walker, Joe Pace, and GMWA (Gospel Music Workshop of America) Women of Worship utilized Moore’s no-nonsense worship. In 2003, an independent 5-song project, “Unlimited Praise” set the stage to this 2006 live recording.

Kicking off is “Celebrate”, a time not to just lift hands or dance all day, but recognizing the struggle is over. “Praise Him” extends the energetic adoration mood.

The tempo slows a bit for a little chat with our Maker on “We Lift Our Hands”, written by veteran worshipper, Dr. Leonard Scott.

In a progressive arrangement flirting with eighties ‘wave’ attitude and electronic punches, the first radio single “Pressure Into Praise” fends off the ones who tend to steal our joy.

“Balm In Gilead” traces the story Jeremiah’s concern for a healer (Jeremiah 8:22). The apparent answer: “His name alone can heal.”

Moore feeds off duet partner Pastor Daryl Coley, headed for uninhibited crescendo on “Already Done.”

Originally recorded on “Unlimited Praise”, this version of “Live & Not Die” centers around Moore’s undeniable delivery declaring “the works of the Lord”.

Producer/songwriter Vashawn Mitchell helps lead the saints on “Holy”, raising the bar to the highest level: “I’ll be the loudest one in the choir stand.”

“Safe In His Arms”, from the pen of Darius Brooks, expands around comforting verses via Psalm 23: “He leads me beside the choir stream”.

Turning back the hymn timeline, Moore sprinkles her enthusiasm on “Old Rugged Cross” without straying from the intended melody.

Concluding the festivities are rarely heard church rousers: “Storm Out On The Ocean”, “O’ Glorious Day”, and “Pressing My Way”, assisted with authority by Bishop J.C. & Gloria White from Moore’s home church, Turner’s Faith Temple COGIC International.

The tandem of Producer Mitchell and Music Director Rick Robinson maintains a primarily non-flashy atmosphere, focusing on the Almighty. Moore’s husband, George Moore, holds down the bass lines, and Victor Sean Lily, who assisted on Moore’s recording debut, provides gentle organ sweeps. Vocally Moore’s gutsy pipes are powerful, avoiding over hysterics while clearly enthralled with the Savior. Goes to show building blocks can result in Godly skyscrapers.

For more details on Lucinda Moore, go to www.lucindamoore.com.