Bishop T.D. Jakes & The Potter’s House Mass Choir - Grace – Live in Kenya

Most who follow gospel music are familiar with the impassioned preaching of Bishop T.D. Jakes, founder and senior pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas. The Potter’s House Mass Choir (PHMC) has recorded several CDs, many under Jakes’ label, Dexterity Sounds.

Their latest effort, Grace, takes Jakes and company to Kenya, part of the S.O.W. (Save Our World Campaign) with an audience over a million strong. Of course, Bishop Jakes has been one of the most respected evangelists in modern times, and his resume covers books, conferences, and recording artist amongst a lengthy list.

Raised by entrepreneur-driven parents, he developed job skills early, eventually leading to ministry and his first storefront church which transcended racial barriers. His concern for uplifting the needy, especially the plight of abused woman resulted in the popular, “Woman Thou Art Loosed!,” which has grown beyond leaps and bounds since its 1995 inception. PHMC has been a recording staple since the mid-90s, including The Storm Is Over and the 2003 Grammy winning CD, A Wing & A Prayer, both adorned by a who’s who in today’s gospel landmark like Darwin Hobbs, Israel Houghton, and Beverly Crawford.

On Grace – Live in Kenya the first order of business, naturally, is Celebrate, a high-stepping number signifying a new life in Christ. A thoughtfully structured devotional, There Is A Sound, meshes lead tenor vocals and PHMC, penetrating to that place where worshippers wouldn’t want to turn back.

Praise Is My Weapon spits an intense attack on the devil and any other distractions superseding our praise progress. Jakes steps to the forefront on the samba-induced title track and lead single, reminding the Body of Christ that our “dysfunctional past can be turned around.” The choir sneaks a few deep breaths in between to experience ‘grace’ severalfold.

Fueled by the punctuated brass, a chunky backbeat to match, and soulful lead vocals, He Does All Things Well raves about the best boss in life, period: “We serve a God who is able to do all things” (Ephesians 3:20). Referring to our neighbors as more than persons next door in Jakes’ on-target sermonette, The Well Song illustrates water (and food) we offer to those around the world in absolute need (Proverb 25:21).