AMG Review of Live in Detroit

Rose of Sharon Witmer
All Music Guide

Just as Vickie Winans is one of contemporary gospel music's best singers, this CD is one of the genre's best recordings. The live performance was recorded in Detroit before an audience of gospel enthusiasts and true believers. The intensity of that faith comes across in the rapport between the Grammy-nominated and Stellar award-winning Vickie Winans and her audience. A keynote of the gospel idiom is the ability of its musicians to have church anytime, anywhere, regardless of whether in a church or secular setting. Winans makes clear her intent to have church in ~the Detroit Auditorium. Like a good daughter of the church, she opens with praise in "To God Be the Glory." The message continues in the music with the next selection, "No Cross, No Crown," penned by Reverend James Cleveland. Inspiration continues to run strong with another Cleveland tune, "Long As I Got King Jesus," as well as "More Than Enough," "Because He Lives," and "My Soul Has Escaped." Another high point is the moving "No, Not One." The gospel diva is joined by an array of outstanding artists, including the Ford Family, Trinity, Michelle Johnson, and Rodney Harris. Together, they take their audience for a mountain-top experience in praise & worship. The feeling of fervent devotion is captured to a rare degree and is available for the listener to share on this recording.