Live in Concert – Kim Burrell

One of the few top female gospel performers who writes her own material, Burrell shines in this all too short but very intense nine song performance in front of 5,000 at the Church of God in Christ Convocation in Memphis. The explosive "I'll Keep Holding On" is fire-starting Holy Ghost musical energy at its most dynamic, and even her "yeah yeahs" at the beginning could make believers out of an agnostic! It's a totally convincing appeal to trust the Lord during hard times. She lets loose there, but hits closer to home in guttural excitement on the ballads "Since Jesus" and "Holy Ghost." Her five backup singers convey the power of a whole choir. Released also as a video, Live in Concert balances the simple power of the slower tunes with knee-slappers like "Anything" which feature inspired interaction with her singers on the chorus sections. She also shows a little jazz influence on this tune and "I'll Keep Holding On," as well as on the moody, Rhodes-driven ballad "Try Me Again." The full power of gospel is best achieved and received in the live setting, and Burrell makes the most of this opportunity to share the power of her faith. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide