Gilbert Wilson & United In Christ ChoraleTransformation
GilWil Music
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
Some may know Pastor Gilbert Wilson from his work with the Gospel Music Workshop of America’s GMWA Men of Promise singing group.
He also founded the United In Christ Chorale of Northeast Louisiana. Transformation, recorded at Prevailing Faith Bible Church in Monroe, Louisiana, is the UIC Chorale’s full-length CD.
Most of the selections on Transformationclock in at well past five minutes, enabling the ensemble to stretch out as they would do in a live program. With its simple lyrics, dynamic development, and crisp harmonies, “This is the Day” is the most emblematic of the group’s work. On the other side of the metronome, “The Joy of the Lord” is the album’s most buoyant. The brisk Jamaican bounce is combined with a guitar ostinato that sounds West African in provenance. It is one of those praise songs that seems as if it can go on forever.
Pastor Wilson uses his intense preacher’s voice to exhort like James Fortune, a technique most evident on “The Promises,” but more often combines singing, shouting, and preaching, as on “Father I Stretch.” Regardless of whether he is talking or singing, Wilson’s hard-shouting contrasts with the choir’s smooth, harmonic texture, but in a good way. Overall, the album is of uncomplicated, no-gimmick contemporary gospel music in the Hawkins tradition, and thus a very pleasant listen.
When not working with the UIC Chorale, Gilbert Wilson is Pastor of Tehillah Christian Church in Monroe, Louisiana, and is on leadership teams for the Gospel Music Workshop of America and the Rhythm of Gospel Awards.
Three of Five Stars
Picks: “The Joy of the Lord,” “This is the Day.”
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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