Freda Battle & The Temple Worshippers

With over 25 years in music ministry and nearly 200 songs to her credit, Freda Battle is no stranger at all. The prolific Boston native now adds to her credit her second release with her choral aggregation The Temple Worshippers, titled Here Is Our Praise.

This Axiom Records release is the follow-up to the group’s impressive 2002 release, Serious Praise.

Without question, praise and worship afficionadoes will quickly be drawn to this project, as the 13-track effort is one of the strongest offerings of the year. Penning nine of the thirteen tracks, Battle displays her heart for worship with an infectious set of material that will both encourage the believer and create an authentic atmosphere for worship to the Father.

Battle enlists the assistance of Israel Houghton’s production, who himself is arguably the most noticeable praise and worship leader of the last five years. Houghton produces the lion’s share of the project, handling duties for ten of the thirteen songs. In addition, he joins April Thompson on lead vocals to the terrifically encouraging “I Know The Plans“, based on Jeremiah 29:11.

Continuing a strong scriptural vibe, check out “Over and Over Again”, with its incredibly infectious hook (based on a text from Ephesians 3). Longtime Commissioned contributor Parkes Stewart makes a guest appearance on “Right At Home/I Love”, showing that he can hang with the best in the praise and worship field.

Guaranteed hits include “Sing For Joy” (featuring the always wonderful Daniel Johnson), “Psalm 47”, “How Great is Our God” and the formidable title track that latches into your musical memory and won’t let go. Clarence “Tank” Powell takes the mic on Psalm 47, and also on “And Praise”, together with Battle.

The diversity on this effort is undeniable and will lock you in for an impacting and powerful 70-plus minute ride that will take your devotion period to a new level. Simply put, Battle and the Temple Worshippers have a sure fire hit on their hands.
- Gospel Flava.com

For over 25 years, Freda Battle has always focused her mind on the battlefield. With a bunch of goals on her plate, it’s not hard to fathom that she has only one recorded project to this day, the much-heralded Serious Praise from 2002. Now teamed with highly-respected producer/musician, Israel Houghton, Here Is Our Praise features Battle with The Temple Worshippers (TW), blending both Battle originals and four established praise favorites.

Here are a few highlights of Battle’s journey: the Boston native has invested almost three decades with the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, founded by gospel pioneer Thomas Dorsey, plus serves as Minister of Jubilee Christian Church, the home-base for Axiom Records. What very few music ministers accomplish is eight years of gospel announcing, including a stint on Boston's R&B station, WILD. The program fits her gifts: “Freda Battle On The Battlefield”. She has also been one of the main cornerstones in the greater Boston area, teaching and exhorting others in worship and Biblical principles behind the music. More recently, labelmate Bobby Perry & R.A.I.N. joined The Temple Worshippers and Battle for the annual Urban Impact Summit in Connecticut and the Chicago (Ill.) Gospelfest.

The joy sways through the air on Sing For Joy, (recorded by worship leader Don Moen) as we lean on Him for refuge: “If we call to Him, He will answer.” Some Earth Wind & Fire vibes amplify a soul-stopping vocal by Israel & New Breed’s Daniel Johnson.

It would indeed take eternity to show gratitude for For All You’ve Done For Me. Kerry Strong and Ellis Littles bounce their voices off TW. The slightly unconventional but refreshing ending catches the gang giving thanks to collard greens, cornbread and the rest of the meal. Glorious noises hover around the title track, a cleverly arranged piece where the vocals instill the perfect atmosphere without any overdrive. Everyday, from Hillsongs Worship’s Joel Houston, is a smooth groove and Neville Diedericks fills the lead spot.

or the movers and shakers in the Kingdom, Worshippers & Warriors (Battle cites 2 Chronicles 20 as an example) feds off the enemies’ intent: “We’re breaking the curse over our lives.” Many congregations have recently embraced How Great Is Our God, co-penned by Chris Tomlin. Reaching way back into the hymn archives, the bridge incorporates How Great Thou Art.

Starting out in a pensive mode, Over & Over Again spills over into a wonderful profession of His Greatness: “the width, the length, the height, the depth.” Clarence Powell, a soloist on Serious Praise, briefly stops by for Psalms 47 (God Has Ascended), delivery effortless vocal fills.

Hallelu runs on a soft Latin foundation, remaining quiet in nature, touched up with adlib praises at the finish. Israel finally steps to the mic with April Thompson in a well?attuned duet, I Know Your Plans, derived from Jeremiah 29:11.

Sending a fluid 80s/90s R&B vibe, (and shades of Sam Cooke), Parkes Stewart’s heart for worship is truly evident on Right At Home/I Love. After the anthem-like Hear All Ye People, And Praise sets the precedent as Powell, Battle and company welcome in “the new heaven and earth where sin will be no more”.

Not diverting credit from Isaiah’s production for Here Is Our Praise but both this and Serious Praise dish up a precious contemporary vibe without the high-tech trappings. TW, along with guest vocalists New Breed, sail along with moving solos and choral harmonies. Battle always maintains a maturity when lending her leadership or warm alto vocals. The battlefield will always be ripe as long as Freda Battle leads the praise forces.
- GOSPEL CITY.COM

One look at Freda Battle's resume will tell you that she's no stranger to the gospel music industry. Even though "Here is Our Praise" is her 2nd national release with the Temple Worshippers on Axiom Records, Freda has been recording and leading worship for quite a while.

Pairing up with Israel Houghton on the production end of things on this endeavor, she has churned out quite a project this time around. Here Is Our Praise is quite Sunday morning friendly. Not only will you find choir music here, but music for smaller worship teams is featured as well...but then that's to be expected with Battle and Houghton at the helm. Battle and her trademark exhortations shine through on several tracks -- but don't miss the soloists featured on this project. Houghton steps from behind the scenes and into the spotlight on the reassuring track I Know The Plans.

PICK HITS: Sing For Joy, For All You've Done, Here Is Our Praise, Over and Over Again, I Know The Plans - NUTHINBUTGOSPEL.COM

First I want to say that this is in my opinion the best project yet from Freda Battle & The Temple Worshippers. This album consists of great songs. Produced by Israel Houghton, one could not possibly expect nothing short the best, and this project is simply that. The choir truly shines on this one. The heat is on from beginning to end…praise and worship has never sounded this good!

Battle is well known throughout the industry as a songwriter and worship leader after 25 years in gospel music. Throughout most of her career, she has been actively involved with the National Convention of Gospel Choirs. A relationship that continues, as Here Is Our Praise’s title track was recently selected for recording by the Gospel Music Workshop of America's Mass Choir. However, if you have grown accustomed to the ‘Freda’ sound, get ready to be reintroduced, for “Here is Our Praise” will not be what you’re used to. Of course there is the same great songwriting from this modern psalmist; in fact, ten of the songs were penned by her.

The difference is definitely in the production as Israel has added accessibility and international flavor that will allow Here is Our Praise to cross racial, age and denominational barriers. Freda gives you all the elements of a full and total worship experience through songs that allow you entrance into His presence. - En Sound Entertainment.com