MAURICE

CD Review - Maurice



Written by Samuel Abraham
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
Saints of the Most High! What It Do? I believe I mentioned previously that I would be completing the triple play of CD reviews this month. The trifecta consisted of two new hot Gospel acts representing Ohio ( I told you that state would be getting it ‘s pub this issue), and then there are the soulful sounds of one of the Chicago areas newest and most elegant Christian groups, MAURICE. Tapping into the smooth and serene style of 60’s and 70’s era artist, MAURICE brings back the vocal harmonies, and clean choreography that made groups such as the Dramatics, Marvelettes , and the Independents, some of the best loved and listened to groups of that time. The lead vocalist for the group MAURICE, Maurice Jackson, is actually a former member of The Independents, so professionalism in the name of Jesus Christ is at an all time high.
The professionalism that I speak of begins as soon as you press play on the very first track, "Higher Ground". An island feel and sing-a-long chorus transport you to a place where the Holy Spirit is known to abide. This song gives you an opportunity to experience the easiness of serenity, a place where everybody is happy to be in attendance . I must say before I go any farther, that the title song, "How Can You Say You Love Me", is my favorite on this CD. The slick production, and effortless vocals of the lead singer Maurice Jackson mesmerize you as the group ask as Jesus would, " how can you love me, if you don’t love your brother?" MAURICE’sCD is full of music from memory lane, and affirmations of past experiences. The very commercial "Altgeld", is an ode to a childhood spent in a Chicago Housing Authority neighborhood, that includes names, streets, and addresses of those memories.
The versitility of MAURICE is displayed in the lead vocal responsibilities being shared by other members of this diverse group. Praise and Worship are up front and evident in songs like, "Life Is Full Of Gladness", and "I’m Glad I’m Saved". You are again whisked away via the strong vocals of Jackson in confirmation of the love he has for Jesus Christ in "It’s Been Revealed", another well produced and arranged number containing background vocals that fade in and out with enchanting sound and amazing precision. MAURICE’s new CD is ushering in a new sound in the Christian music industry, Christian-Soul. Will anyone else adopt this style?, I don’t know , but, if you want great Christian music , that’s full of soul, go to www.gospelswap.com/maurice, and download the music of MAURICE. I have had the opportunity to see MAURICE the group perform live, and they are just as exciting , as on CD. MAURICE is also in regular rotation on www.GospelPower. FM on the internet. This completes the triple for me this issue, as always, hit me up on the web at www.muzilnalldat.com . God Bless, Much Success, In Jesus Name.


- Gospel Synergy Magazine

Holy Smoke
by DJ Sam
Gospel Synergy Magazine


Saints of the Most High! What It Do? I believe I mentioned previously that I would be completing the triple play of CD reviews this month. The trifecta consisted of two new hot Gospel acts representing Ohio ( I told
you that state would be getting it‘s pub this issue), and then there are the soulful sounds of one of the Chicago areas newest and most elegant Christian groups, MAURICE. Tapping into the smooth and serene style of 60’s and 70’s era artist, MAURICE brings back the vocal harmonies, and clean choreography that made groups such as the Dramatics, Marvelettes , and the Independents, some of the best loved and listened to groups of that time.

The lead vocalist for the group MAURICE, Maurice Jackson, is actually a former member of The Independents, so professionalism in the name of Jesus Christ is at an all time high. The professionalism that I speak of begins
as soon as you press play on the very first track, “Higher Ground”. An island feel and sing-a-long chorus transport you to a place where the Holy Spirit is known to abide. This song gives you an opportunity to
experience the easiness of serenity, a place where everybody is happy to be in attendance . I must say before I go any farther, that the title song, “How Can You Say You Love Me”, is my favorite on this CD. The slick production, and effortless vocals of the lead singer Maurice Jackson mesmerize you as the group ask as Jesus
would, “ how can you love me, if you don’t love your brother?” MAURICE’s CD is full of music from memory lane, and affirmations of past experiences. The very commercial “Altgeld”, is an ode to a childhood spent in a Chicago Housing Authority neighborhood, that includes names, streets, and addresses of those memories.

The versatility of MAURICE is displayed in the lead vocal responsibilities being shared by other members of this diverse group. Praise and Worship are up front and evident in songs like, “Life Is Full Of Gladness”, and “I’m Glad I’m Saved”. You are again whisked away via the strong vocals of Jackson in confirmation of the
love he has for Jesus Christ in “It’s Been Revealed”, another well produced and arranged number containing background vocals that fade in and out with enchanting sound and amazing precision.

MAURICE’s new CD is ushering in a new sound in the Christian music industry, Christian-Soul. Will anyone else adopt this style?, I don’t know , but, if you want great Christian music , that’s full of soul, go to
www.gospelswap.com, and download the music of MAURICE. I have had the opportunity to see MAURICE the group perform live, and they are just as exciting , as on CD. MAURICE is also in regular rotation on GospelPower. FM on the internet. This completes the triple for me this issue, as always; hit me up on the web
at www.muziknallthat.com. God Bless, Much Success, In Jesus Name.

- Gospel Synergy Magazine