ALBUM DESCRIPTION

Having become synonymous with gHaving become synonymous with good reggae gospel recordings, once again Tony Rich and Jet Star Gospel Times team up with Jamaican-born and UK-based Hensley King to produce another well-rounded quality effort. King's sophomore release, following "The King Is Coming" (1999), finds him exploring similar as well as new territory as he once again uses his rich voice and clear phrasing to present a collection of songs strongly based in traditional gospel melodies and themes.

Eschewing the use of patois, the golden-voiced King instead strives for a more traditional vocal style with an emphasis on clarity. This fact makes "My God Is Real" accessible to mature listeners and also those uninitiated with reggae music.

The album begins with the simple yet beautiful piano and vocal testimonial piece, "No Other Love." Within the framework of a repeating chord progression, King is clearly in his element as he conveys a message that is at once convincing and comforting. I can listen to this song several times over and over as it gently washes over my soul and renews and rekindles my faith in that there is "no other love...no other peace...no other way...no other truth- than the truth of Jesus" -absolutely compelling and achingly gorgeous.

One-drop reggae kicks in jubilantly as King continues to share testimony as he reaches out to the listener with "Awake Zion." Masterfully using a blues progression, snappy drum fills and lovely backing vocals, King invites the listener to awaken and "come unto the Master." Tastefully smooth sax solos and sparkling production make this highlight track shine warmly and brightly.

Having a penchant for applying stately hymns to classic reggae riddims (a strength employed on "The King Is Coming"), King once again successfully fuses the two together on "My God Is Real." Standards such as "Rock Of Ages," "Channel Only," "Standing On The Promises," "It's Me," "I Come To The Garden Alone," "Old Rugged Cross," "Softly And Tenderly" and the title track all get fresh re-workings as they are tenderly, yet confidently handled by King and his able cast of supporters. Utilizing recreated Studio One riddims and contemporary reggae tracks, new life is breathed into these timeless songs as they are lovingly preserved and presented to a new generation of listeners who may otherwise not hear them.

Not enough can be said about the production skills of the musicians at Cave Studios and Mr. Rich as the final result is nothing less than impeccable. Accented by crucial percussion, organ and tasty guitar fills, "My God Is Real" is a work of sonic art.

Offering more variety in terms of musical style than King's debut album, we are treated here to a few different styles. Admittedly a country music lover, King presents a couple such numbers with the lovely self-written "No Mansion Here Below" and a duet with Jasna Jackson called "My Kind Of Man, My Kind Of Woman"- a Vince Gill composition. Clearly, Hensley King is at home within the context of country music.

"No Sin At All," featuring Susan Harriott and Tony Rich, finds King employing a spicy Soca beat to refresh a cherished gospel classic. "Make Me A Vessel" is a contemporary worship song enhanced by excellent backing vocals and tasteful musicianship.

"My God Is Real" is a terrific album which should allow Hensley King the opportunity to minister several generations of listeners. There is clearly the capability here to both strengthen believers and lead the unrepentant and unwashed to the cross of Christ.

Review by: Mike Roots