Karen E. Hylton - Here’s One

A samba breeze accompanies Secret Place, where refuge is just around the corner for those feeling overwhelmed. After another piano/voice duet, Never Left Me, He Will Be Right There shakes the church rafters with no need to fret, because “we cast our cares on Him” (Psalm 55:22).

The lilting Peace sets the tone for what we seek and the world never gives: “When you’re in jeopardy, talk to the Prince of Peace.”

Both Safety, penned by another of STL’s own, Oscar Williams Jr., and a mesmerizing reading of I Need Thee Every Hour access the throne room to its fullest, as Hylton intertwines pure classical lines with raw praise expressions.

Tapping into hip-hop/rock territory, the closing cut My Reedemer features live handclapping from a group of youngsters, who chime in on the rap break by an unidentified rapper.

There’s a reliable group of players and background choir, led by producer/arranger Kyle E. Kelley (who also wrote two selections), plus guitar guru DuBose Jr. (Harry Connick, Jr., Richard Smallwood, etc.) and others who nail down everything from contemporary Gospel to jazz tidbits. Hylton’s elastic voice covers lots of ground, but My Redeemer is a bit ambitious for her vocal timbre, especially with the heavy-handed guitar swirls. Otherwise, here’s one CD that should please several musical connoisseurs, via a hearty servant of the Lord.

Visit www.karenhylton.com for further information.

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