Jonathan Nelson Featuring Purpose - Right Now Praise

By Peggy Oliver

The domino effect seems to apply in the case of Jonathan Nelson’s ministry with one scenario leading to another. From the debut, self-financed Live in Baltimore: Everything You Are, God orchestrated people to further Nelson’s gift. Fast forward almost four years later as Nelson, signed with Integrity Music, releases the sophomore CD, Right Now Praise.

The journey began as Karen Clark-Sheard was passing through Baltimore, Maryland for a concert and needed some background vocalists. Purpose began their humble beginnings as a group of friends who sang at Nelson’s father, Pastor James Nelson’s church, Greater Bethlehem Temple. They would back Clark-Sheard, plus gospelteers like Ted & Shari, Kim Burrell, and Donald Lawrence. Many times comparisons are trite, but their sound clearly mirrors Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers in their resonating harmonies and prosperity-related songs. Healed, recorded by Lawrence on I Speak Life (Verity), would garner Nelson a 2006 Stellar Award for Songwriter of the Year. More blessings were bestowed as singer/minister of music Troy Sneed requested the Baltimore native to write another song, Youth for Christ’s The Struggle Is Over (Emtro). Certainly among the blessings were the valleys, including nearly losing major possessions while working a part-time teaching job. Nelson could have rebelled, but instead picked up his pen to create the new CD’s title track.

Most songs on Right Now Praise evolved from Nelson’s successes and increase in faith. Champions opens the proceedings, reminding us we have authority in Christ in utilizing our gifts to the fullest. The dazzling keyboards and the brass dancing all around encompass a victorious entrance to this live recording at Nelson’s home church, Empowerment Temple AME. The first single, My Name Is Victory continues on that plateau.

No time is wasted in honoring the Father through the precious, classical music modulations by Purpose for Drench My Heart. Nelson enters midway gently inviting the audience to ask the Lord to be near us.