Beverly Crawford - LIVE From Los Angeles

By Em Fergusson

Beverly Crawford, the talented vocalist and ordained minister, is still declaring the power of Jesus Christ through her many gifts.  Crawford has been singing since the age of three and is continuing a musical legacy with her newest album, Live From Los Angeles. The album features 12 tracks, each with a special emphasis on the importance of praise. From energetic songs such as the catchy Lion Of Judah to the insightful melodious I Owe Everything To Jesus, the album is both enjoyable and refreshing.

A famous saying claims one ought to perform tasks with the gravest sincerity.  On Live From Los Angeles, Crawford makes this saying come alive.  The anointed minister pours her soul out on her newest project, all while giving God glory for many blessings.  Crawford has had an abundance of blessings in her life, as evidenced in her mid-tempo, congregation-friendly piece, He Keeps On Blessing Me.  

While He Keeps On Blessing Me speaks of happiness in the Lord, I’m Still Standing is a song that seeks to encourage those who feel hopeless about their past sins. Crawford shares a part of her testimony with listeners.  

The lyrics go on to speak of how God delivers: …‘I have redemption/Cause He died…my soul to save/I’m still standing…You can’t knock me down/You can’t turn me around/I’m still standing here.’ In those dark and troubled times, inspiring and encouraging songs such as I’m Still Standing provide faith and determination to rely on God for our trials.  Only He can overcome them for us.

Crawford continues to share her spiritual motivation with her fans and listeners on this live album. On the emotionally awakening ballad, We Need To Hear A Word, she speaks about devastation the nation experiences continually, such as the Virginia Tech killings. “…but I don’t know about you tonight,” says Crawford, “But I need to hear a word from the Lord…does anybody need to hear a word from the Lord?” The lyrics explore what to do when tragedy strikes.  She invites her son, Todd Junior, to accompany her musically on the song, creating a strong message that devastation affects even our youth.

Exultant worship creates a stirring experience in the heart and soul.  On the celebratory Praise Jehovah, Crawford invites the listener to embody worship and come to a place where God can truly be felt.  The effect is magical: the atmosphere on this track is so powerful it is quite easy to forget you are not in church.  She preaches momentarily during this praise segment, challenging listeners to seek God and commune with Him.

Praise Jehovah is a part of a series of praise songs on the album, including the feet stomping, Victory Comes and the mid-tempo, Great God.  Both tracks focus on God’s greatness and how believers can overcome their trials.  The encouraging musical pieces follow the theme of finding strength in the Lord, as Crawford ministers on this message throughout the album.

“This ministry seeks to mend the scarred and broken areas of God’s people, to reach out to all who will hear this gospel message,” Crawford writes on her website.  Live In Los Angeles certainly fulfills this mission.