Apostle Ronnie Diamond Hoard – Lift Him Up

Apostle Ronnie Diamond Hoard
Lift Him Up
WR Records (2010)
www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ApostleRonnieDiamondHoard

“This ain’t PAJAM but this is sho’ nuff a jam!”

So exclaims Apostle Ronnie Diamond Hoard in the opening seconds of “He is Worthy,” a selection from his new solo CD, Lift Him Up.

He’s absolutely right.

Lift Him Up is a thoroughly enjoyable and motivational listen from beginning to end. Hoard and his family of musicians, singers and songwriters – literally: nearly everyone involved is a Hoard – play and sing their heart out as if they have one chance to get it right. The overall vibe is traditional but the arrangements are sufficiently contemporary to satisfy fans of the latest gospel sounds.

Hoard has had a kaleidoscopic career in music, working with legends in the soul and gospel fields. He was in groups such as the Ohio Players and Jim Nabbie’s Ink Spots, and has performed with the likes of Rance Allen, John P. Kee, Fred Hammond, and the Mighty Clouds of Joy. His 1996 solo project, It Is Written (Tyscot), was nominated for a Stellar.

In fact, you might say that Apostle Hoard is what you get if you put the voices of Rance Allen, John P. Kee and Fred Hammond in a blender and press “puree.” The Apostle growls, shouts, croons and launches into falsetto at will. “Easy to Love” showcases his high voice, as does the concluding take on the classic hymn, “At the Cross,” done in acappella quartet style.

Hoard’s husky lower tones can be heard most especially on the title track as well as the quartet-flavored hand-clapper, “Call on Jesus.” “Hold Out” is a full-throttle choir-style workout.

The song titles are indicative of the lyrical content, and the musicianship is soulful and robust. Lift Him Up is extremely well produced by Ronnie and Mary Hoard and Wilson Reado.

The only issue preventing the CD from earning a five-star rating here is its thin liner notes, which do not credit composers and lead vocalists. Otherwise, what’s on the disc itself is a “sho’ nuff” treat.

Four of Five Stars

gPod Picks: “Call on Jesus,” “Hold Out,” “Lift Him Up.”