Review By Brent Faulkner

 

Kenneth Mosley releases his third album, 2012’s Kenneth Mosley Presents In His Service independently via M2E. An esteemed musician, Marvin Sapp praises Mosley as a “…gifted singer, songwriter, pastor…” In His Service confirms those assertions, delivering a well thought out and conceived affair.

 

“Don’t Wait” opens the effort with ripping horns, funky bass, and quick tempo.  Mosley’s vocals begin casually, but as the cut progresses, his grit and passion ascend marvelously. Additionally, the chorus sounds superb, at times carrying the lead. The sole quibble? There are a plethora of ideas/layers to process.

 

“Welcome Song” contrasts the bombastic nature of “Don’t Wait” with slackening pace and smoother execution, eclipsing the aforementioned. Mosley’s lead exhibits great tone and the choir sounds polished and reverent, delivering superb control. There are few cons,  save for the lengthy unwinding of the cut.

 

“Made A Way” opts for more contemporary production work, as well as quicker tempo.  A bit ‘all over the place,’ featuring quotes from “Amazing Grace” as well as a couple of shifts, “Made A Way” is just cohesive enough to work. Vocally, once Mosley digs in, he delivers some excellent ‘oomph.’

 

“Make Me More” features Amber Bullock, who adds some soulful grit. Characterized by slower tempo and six-eight meter, “Make Me More” delivers a compelling message “…Make me more like you, in spirit and in truth/that’s all I ask of you/Oh God, make me more like you.” Although vocals are initially restrained, a succession of key changes elevates the breadth of the vocals.  A reprise proceeds, featuring Niya Cotton cutting through with gritty vocals.

 

“Send A Revival” ‘reprises’ six-eight time delivering the set’s ‘anthemic’ cut.  The cut is lengthy at six minutes given its consummate repetition, but ultimately is nonetheless ministering and enjoyable.  The choir vamps on numerous lines (centered around the title), easily conveying its message.

 

“Grace” outclasses “Revival” ever so slightly, delivering gargantuan moments for the choir, not to mention quite the performance from its female lead, Crystal Aikin.  The key lyrics “…it’s enough, my grace is sufficient for you…” are quite moving in their iterations. Two derivative tracks follow in “Grace (Reprise),” featuring a gritty Drea Riddle in top form, and “Grace Praise,” a praise-session affirming God’s goodness notable for its quick tempo and angular instrumental riffs.

 

“Purpose in the Process” features a capable Meaghan Williams, who delivers commanding vocals throughout.  If nothing else, “Purpose in the Process” easily ‘pumps up’ the spirit.  “Fullness of Time” takes a cooler approach, with touches of flute, acoustic piano, and acoustic guitar. Initially featuring restraint from the chorus, restraint progresses into lofty range exhibited by the sopranos during the vamping section, not to mention Troy Bright’s superb vocal ad libs.

 

“African Clap” nods to Andrae Crouch’s tropical-gospel cuts, featuring Kirisma Evans leading the charge. “Use Me” serves as the last full-length entity, featuring slackening tempo and restraint. “Use Me’s” ‘restraint’ comes off a bit static, regardless of the key change that occurs.  The closing cuts are “Don’t Wait Reprise,” a reprise of the opener, and “Outro,” a reprise of “Send A Revival.”

 

Overall, Kenneth Mosley Presents In His Service is a fine effort. There are no misses and few detracting miscues.  Unlike many gospel efforts, length is not a major factor, which is a pro. Overall, well done.

07. Grace

Listen to this sample:
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