Albert Jamison presents The New York State Mass Choir - Show Yourself Mighty

Youthful Praise’s primary songwriters are represented with songwriting contributions.  Mother Rubenstein McClure and Kervy Brown spark an unquenchable passion throughout Shawn Brown’s Nothing Shall Separate Me (I Can’t Do It).  Lily of the Valley by James JJ Hairston, transports everyone to traditional church service anchored by another earth shattering vocal, this time from Evangelist Doreen Figueroa.

Do you love me for me or do you love me because of what I did for you?  That is a question from God that Jamison poses toward the Pleasant Grove congregation in the prelude to Not My Will.  The subject relates to his emotional confrontation with God about his son’s death.

Just when you thought the adoration for God was overflowing, Jamison drops back-to-back favorites from the Triboro Mass Choir songbook.  Bishop Paul S. Morton spices up a duet with Jamison for In God’s Own Time (If I Can Hold Out) about passing the test (2 Corinthians 2:9) given to all the saints.  Pleasant Grove’s minister of music Ronald Banks joins forces on My Witness, confirming that God has approved our stance in doing his work:  “Well done my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

Both Bishops return along with Timiney Caton for Like a Shepherd, a powerful urban remake composed by one of Integrity Music’s veteran worship leader and songwriter, Don Moen.   

The fitting finale from the pen of Reverend Milton Biggham, He Won’t Fail brings back some of the excellent supporting cast, including a fine turn from Reverend Timothy Wright. 

Two of New York’s next generation of gospel talent, producers David Canton& Jules Bartholomew anchor the backing musicians, managing a credible job on the more traditional fare and the quieter praise selections, especially the reinterpretation of Moen’s Like a Shepherd.  The few disappointments are when they attempt the contemporary gospel pieces, such as the motivational themed Chosen Generation with a weak reggae breakdown midway through, and a flat rendition of I Owe All You All the Praise, featuring the usually reliable Pastor John P. Kee.  Overall though, Jamison is a truly gifted communicator and most of Show Yourselves Mighty proves the east coast puts on a mighty potent gospel workshop of their own.

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