Multi-cultural worship at its finest
Shake Heaven
Artist: Montell Jordan and Victory World Music
Label: Victory World Music (www.victoryworldmusic.com)
Length: CD (13 tracks/66.17 minutes) & DVD (18 tracks/100
minutes plus bonus tracks)
A variety of music styles enrich this worship experience.
In particular, this makes me appreciate the influence of African Americans.
Here it takes the form of distinctly urban sounds, smooth R&B and hip-hop.
It is especially evident on the opening songs led by Montell Jordan.
This applies to the CD and DVD, which vary in performers,
content and song order. The CD contains studio versions of the tracks found on
the concert DVD. In addition, the DVD includes introductions, a dramatic
testimony, an interview with Montell Jordan and additional songs not found on
the CD.
The DVD is the main feature, offering a more immersive
experience. The Shake Heaven CD was
previously released separately.
The concert, which was recorded on 11/11/11, also reveals
a charismatic influence. Jordan announces that someone in the audience will be
healed and encourages everyone to be expectant. It also includes an impassioned
prayer on “Usable” and a spoken word segment extolling the wonder of a holiness
that makes us whole. Jordan makes it clear that this is more than a concert;
it’s a sincere desire to worship God in everything, and this succeeds
admirably.
There is hardly a misstep. The performances and
production are nearly flawless. This may not get as much attention as more
popular releases by other artists, but the quality here is as good or better.
The variety makes this unique. This ranges from the aforementioned African
American influence to pop, rock, folk and even classical.
It’s also great to see different races performing
together, each contributing to the whole, including Rachel Lampa, who makes a
couple of guest appearances on the DVD. It makes me want to see the inclusion
of other cultural influences. Native American immediately comes to mind, but no
need to stop there.
Perhaps the peak of this performance is “You Are”
featuring Chris August on the studio version and Christian Lewis on the DVD.
The latter’s performance is especially electrifying. The winsome rhythm and
creative lyrics extol what it means to be in relationship with God. It’s the
ultimate feel-good song, but it’s not inward-looking. Like all of these
wonderful expressions, the gaze is on God.
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