Reverend Timothy Wright & The New York Fellowship Mass Choir - Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

By Peggy Oliver

Many milestones are being acknowledged this year for a certified legend: the 18th Pastoral Anniversary for his congregation, Grace Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C. (Brooklyn, NY) as well as a 60th birthday.

However, the most critical is the 40-year benchmark celebrated on Rev. Timothy Wright’s latest effort, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. The New York Fellowship Mass Choir, who started with Wright in 1993, backs him up once more on an established repertoire and new offerings. Blending numerous choirs in one building comes naturally for the Pastor/singer/songwriter, who resides in a hotbed for mass organizations, such as Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Choir & James Hall and Worship & Praise. Those groups were featured in the previous Wright and NYFMC outing, Live In New York (AIR Gospel).

Dubbed the ‘Godfather of Gospel’ over a decade ago, Wright assembled four choirs for We’re Gonna’ Make It by Myrna Summers in 1988, and on the 1995 CD, Live In London (Savoy Gospel), coordinated the London Fellowship Choir, even though he didn’t bring his own group. Amongst his influences is Rev. James Cleveland, who made a huge impression on him by suggesting he keep his songs simple, letting the message do the talking. Wright and NYFMC have also participated in the GOSPELCARE Competition, where the winner records a fundraising project for youth of New York.

The title track may be another ‘Katrina’ song, but thanks to the swift narration, different phases of the well-documented tragedy (from the woman searching for a new place to government involvement) always turns to the One who’s in charge: “Jesus…Savior…Healer”.

Enter His Gates (Psalm 100:4) combines catchy hooks and boosting the atmosphere by a guest vocal from traditional vocalist Douglas Miller (known for Unspeakable Joy and more). Love Fellowship’s Timiney Figueroa-Caton riveting lead fuels NYFMC as New Life petitions for a cleansing: “renew a right spirit” (Psalm 51:10).

Never forsaking the heartbeat of church, Be Right There (Hallelujah Anyhow) points to our true source of strength: “when trouble came to block my way, He’ll be right there.” Everything’s Alright (Hold On) riding on a 70s-80s Soul Train vibe, simply states keep the faith for sanity’s sake.

Singer/songwriter Deon Kipping (New Covenant, Youthful Praise) enters in for two numbers; handling the worship leading on He Will Do, followed by My Needs, joined by Wright and Rance Allen’s unmistakable robust voice trading sentiments. Another church igniter, Pressing My Way initiates with a call and response set-up for a sanctified finish featuring three soloists. Marcia Sapp Salter, one of NYFMC’s principal leads throughout this CD, beautifully frames Wright’s sturdy phrasing for Count Your Blessings.

Listeners shouldn’t resist relishing in the fun yet serious, familiar antidote composed by Rev. Milton Biggham (who produced Wright’s I Hear Music), You Must Come In At The Door (Luke 13:24-25): “Can’t go over…can’t go under…can’t go around it.”

Anaysha Figueroa (another veteran of several Wright recordings) uplifts with her melodic voice and lilting orchestrations gracing He Deserves The Glory, inserting the chorus from the classic hymn, Revive Us Again. Jesus I Love You focuses on intermingling in the spirit between Salter, Alyse Howard, and Joe Bolton, augmented by Vindell Smith’s soft feedback guitar providing another voice.

Most of Wright’s sons are involved between the musicianship, two who serve as co-producers. With the exception of the closing, The Best Thing, which peters out in the early stages, those who appreciate an unyielding brand of praise and worship augmented by astute soloists and assured vocal delivery, should check this project. A very blessed and profitable 40th year to Rev. Wright for an uncompromising commitment to gospel music.

More info on Wright’s extensive career and ministry is available on www.myspace.com/reverendtimothy wright.