The Best of Both Worlds

Album review

After releasing 20 or so albums under the leadership of Rev. Clay Evans, Fellowship Chicago passed the torch of gospel music to Pastor Charles Jenkins, who was a relatively young 34 when it happened in 2010. Still, his respect for the music was vintage, and when combined with his upstart exuberance, the initial result was "Awesome." That aptly titled number gave the fellowship their first number one gospel hit since 1996, and much faster than anyone could have imagined, taking over local church choirs and gospel radio swiftly with its traditional structure, simple message, and wealth of emotion. The album it lands on, The Best of Both Worlds, does not disappoint. Humble and welcoming as ever, Jenkins first pays tribute to the Chicago legacy with a grand "Fellowship Medley" (first song in the medley? "What a Fellowship") before the very 2012 drum machines and funky horn sections come out, rocking "Joy Will" all the way up to highlight status. Tambourines shake and basslines stroll as "A Word for Me" takes it back to the '60s while "Praise on My Mind" pops with that Michael Jackson circa Bad feel, combining bright horns, a call-and-response chorus, and gritty guitars. What anchors it all is Jenkins' deep respect for the Fellowship's rich history and his desire to welcome all age groups. No matter how modern or classic he plays it, this really is The Best of Both Worlds.
© David Jeffries /TiVo