Ami Rushes - Lifting

By Peggy Oliver

Ami Rushes Ministries

There once was a rock-n’-roller who loved her heavenly father. Then came seasons of illness and emptiness. Ami Rushes has been on the mountaintop, back down, returning with increased purpose.

Courtesy of her own music ministry, the Los Angeles-based vocalist follows up her project, Covering, with what might be the sequel, Lifting. Both CDs contents balance urban and pop-flavored praise and worship, new and old.

Rushes’ first opportunity wasn’t ordinary. It started meeting the late Reverend James Cleveland at a revival. After being dared, more or less, to sing with his choir, her dream would be realized, singing with Cornerstone Institutional and The Southern California Community Choir. Five years later, Rushes entered an attractive, yet destructive path of rock and roll. The Lord started His business of physical and spiritual healing. Soon to follow would be associations with Pastor John P. Kee and record producer, Kurt Carr, along with ministering in the Los Angeles region.

The call to worship is in effect with Glory to You, simply because “He’s done great things for all of us.” Joy spreads from coast to coast via Rushes’ energetic presentation and the choir’s tight interaction.

Sometimes the help comes from beyond what earthly solutions offer. There’s a Lifting of the Hands frees our burdened soul: “Beyond the hills where our help comes from” (Psalms 121:1-2). A hint of Stevie Wonder’s classic, Higher Ground, adds a welcomed lyrical dimension.

From modern day adoration to back in the day fundamentals, Chicago style. Albertina Walker, the Queen of Gospel, is paid respect with I Can Go to God in Prayer, which quotes the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-12, Luke 11:2-4).

Into the quiet storm or jazz zone, Ordinary People examines how humility works in the body of Christ: “He chooses people just like you and me, Who are willing to do as He commands.” It’s also a rare moment hearing a Danniebelle Hall (Andrae Crouch & The Disciples) gem in recent memory.

Rushes shouts, “I love you, John P. Kee”; then sinks her enthusiastic personality for Kee’s, He’ll Welcome Me. Backing vocals, including Carr, deliver a fresh, slightly updated male quartet angle.

El Shaddai, the Michael Card composition that broke Amy Grant’s career open, is rendered similar to the original version.

Speaking power to the nations, Oh Lord, Stand by Me pleads staying true to Him: “If I stumble, pick me up, help me drink this bitter cup.” Of course, since it’s from Reverend Cleveland’s songbook, the vocal and band engage in a take-your-time, blues-drenched testimony service.

In a very personal moment, God’s Got it All in Control focuses on Rushes’ gratitude for God’s saving her from herself; while recalling the verse, “God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34-35).

Been So Good maintains fever funky pitch and never lets up, driven by soaring guitars, popping bass, and of course the exhilarating choir fueled by Rushes’ lead vocals.

Another blast from the past, In Christ Alone, a major hit for Michael English, dwells on being covered by the blood of Christ: “Sin s’ curse has lost its grip on me.”

Carr handles all production and vocal arrangements, possessing a keen ear for various genres. Many Carr associates are on board, vocally and instrumentally, plus the horn and string arrangements via Lloyd Barry. Even though Rushes has a dependable voice on the ballads, it seems to take flight on the up-tempo excursions. There are traces of Candi Staton, expressing radiance in which she sings about or sings to. Soak in both Rushes’ recordings to receive a lifting and covering from the Almighty.

Visit www.amirushes.com for ministry details or to purchase both Lifting and Covering.