Lisa McClendon
“Live at the House of Blues”
Integrity Gospel
13 tracks @ 67:51

I’m not a big fan of live records but this is an excellent release of modern R&B and soulful gospel. It was recorded in New Orleans a few months before Hurricane Katrina devastated that city and much of the Gulf Coast. McClendon was also eight-months pregnant.

“It was one night, one take, one big old belly,” said McClendon, who went into labor two weeks later. “I believe I will always have a special place in me heart for New Orleans because of the love and support they showed me.”

“But for Eternity” ends with a Shaft-like guitar while “Right There” reflects the best of 70’s soul. “Old soul has that strong base line and lyrics that really talked about something,” says McClendon.

“You Can” opens and closes with a great grungy guitar. “Move on Over” is a rousing track that will have you clapping and foot-tapping.

There’s also a cover of the Winans’ “Uphold Me,” recorded as a tribute to the late Ron Winans. The lyrics include references to Psalm 51.

If you don’t have either of her first two disks, this one comes highly recommended.

- Rob S.