Youthful Praise - Exalted…Live In Baltimore – The DVD

For those who are unfamiliar with Youthful Praise 's history, youthful does not apply to an age thing, even though this praise and worship team started as their local church's youth choir.  According to former co-director Shawn Brown , the name was inspired by the Bible addressing the wisdom spoken from the mouths of babes ( Psalms 8:2 ). Obedience and dedication to honoring God without compromise pretty much explain the choir's durability of over sixteen years. On their latest CD and live recording, Exalted…Live In Baltimore , fans can now witness this exuberant ministry on DVD, graced by various soloists. The now full-time director and primary songwriter, J.J. Hairston , handles the up-front duties - both directing the choir and leading the worship festivities from The Church of the Redeemed of the Lord in Baltimore , Maryland . Hairston feeds off an energetic vibe with his appreciation for the updated choir sound, such as Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Mass Singers, and  James Hall and Worship & Praise , whom he sang with for several years. 

Youthful Praise was known in their earlier days by singing hymns and other outside contributions. Once their recording career took flight, the ensemble from TFT ( Turner's Faith Temple ) in Bridgeport, Connecticut started utilizing Brown and Hairston's songwriting skills comprised of scripturally-based, faith tested songs. Brown continues contributing in a songwriting capacity, including the earth-shattering gospel radio hit, Praise To The Rock from the 2005 CD - Live! The Praise…The Worship. Since Brown left the fold, Youthful Praise maintains the contemporary praise and worship mold, yet heading more in a direction of expanding their audience base by exploring other genres including pop and world music.

Unlike most live worship events, a guitar-driven instrumental overture replaces the usual church emcee introductions. Y.P. then launches their precise and brisk vocal styles in the opener, Sincerity , communicating unapologetic praises and expressing openness to His ways: “mold me and shape me.” Jesus Reigns loudly declares his omnipotence and majesty: "No one can kill him...no one can end his reign.” Both these tracks take a cue, somewhat, from Israel Houghton world music influences by the African flavored backdrops.

No one can ever deny God's presence once Judith McAllister steps in with her commanding alto taking charge, this time for Glory & Honor , reminding us of our dependence on him: “we run to him because he's totally worthy.”

Amongst the original material on Exalted, the definitive centerpiece is Twila Paris ' classic masterpiece, He Is Exalted , given a refreshing and introspective turn, compared to previous interpretations. Hairston's gospel infused Give You Praise is successfully intertwined with the former.

Ted Winn from Ted & Shari spins a web of old-school funk with his warm but potent lead on his composition, Wonderful God , about remembering his faithfulness and unconditional love: “You bought me, you held me, you kept me.” Another soulful excursion, Freedom , that encourages us to break free from our stresses and shed our past, has traces of that sleek southern soul from the Hi and Stax record label catalogs (i.e. Al Green , Otis Redding ).

A bonus medley not included in the CD version reprises some past favorites. Incredible God, Incredible Praise simply recognizes God, no matter what problems we face or have. Awesome God marks a special moment as Brown handles the directing duties while showcasing the choir's extraordinary vocal depth.

Always making sure to pay respect for gospel's roots on each recording, Y.P. closes the festivities with the appropriately titled, Satisfied . Evangelist Gloria White and other soloists soak in the sanctified, fever pitch that glides from beginning to end.

Exalted's has some passionate moments, yet there are some disappointments. First of all, as standard practice with the CD/DVD format, the DVD adds material not available on the CD. The reverse applies as two songs on the CD, both Spirit of God and We Worship You are missing from the DVD, a unfortunate misstep for fans, new and old. The pop and urban crossover song, You Are , is a commendable gesture, yet soloist Jordan Martin doesn't possess that extra spark compared to White, Winn, or McAllister. Finally, it seems the praise factor is a bit exhausting on Glory & Honor, long after the song already reaches its apparent climax. Despite those detriments, Exalted never will be faulted for Y.P.'s always hungry enthusiasm for the Lord along with their rich vocal presentation.

For more information on Youthful Praise and J.J. Hairston, visit www.youthfulpraise.org .