Blessed By Association
Personnel includes: Rev. John P. Kee (vocals, director, various instruments); Chris Kee (vocals, drums, programming); Shelia Lakin, Curtis Lewis, Zeb Harrison, Beverly Moore (vocals); Tonex (rap vocals); Tony Russell (guitar, bass); Doan Clark (cello); Garland Waller (piano); Sean Kee (organ); Tim Mole (drums); New Life Praise Band, New Life Community Choir.Recorded live at New Life Sound Stage, Charlotte, North Carolina.BLESSED BY ASSOCIATION was nominated for the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Gospel Choir Or Chorus Album.From the very first few seconds of BLESSED BY ASSOCIATION, wherein Elder Rance Allen's frenetic introduction could give that of KISS ALIVE a run for its money, the high-energy quotient here is quite palpable. The Reverend John P. Kee, backed by his New Life choir, presents a full program of spiritual music that appeals simultaneously to spirit, ear, and feet. "He's the Greatest" kicks things off full-tilt with the gospel/funk/R&B; amalgam that is a Kee trademark, while "It's Time for Worship" is given a more traditional choral arrangement. The grooving, mid-tempo R&B; jam of "Me Out" wouldn't sound out of place on a latter-day Bill Withers album. And all this stylistic diversity comes just within the first few cuts! Throughout the album, of course, spirituality is the connecting thread, as the listener is treated to a walk through the musical world of Kee and his choir.