Artist: Paul S.Morton
Title: Still Standing
Reviewer: Garfield White

The theme of going through or surviving ‘the storm’ is one that is touched on in many Sunday sermons. Bishop Morton and the church have literally lived through the storm of Hurricane Katrina and is able to stand strong after the disaster and still proclaim the word of God for bringing them through. Now, the man of God comes to us with his first live recorded album since the tragedy entitled Still Standing. Recorded live at Greater St. Stephens in New Orleans, the album is filled with host of Morton’s family and friends which give the album more of a personal touch. The majority of the album was arranged and produced by gospel great Kurt Carr. Still Standing shows the unique sound of a Bishop Morton album which shows Carr took his time and worked close with Morton to design this album.

The spirit moving ‘Not Me Lord, You’ is just what the title says. Bishop Morton tells the crowd ‘it’s all about Him’ letting the crown know that God is the one that kept you through your trials. ‘You Restored Me’ is Morton and the choir giving praise to God for his wondrous works and also thanks Him for bringing them through tough situations. The choir shouts “I’m going to be better than ever, you restored me”, promising to live better for their second chance as a Christian and as a community.

The Bishop proves from the beginning to the end of the album that God is still blessing him with songs and a strong voice to carry out the message. Morton’s daughter Jasmine Morton-Ross follows in her fathers footsteps and uses her voice to glorify God on the up-tempo praise track ‘Oh Hallelujah’

There is a spiritual power that comes from the choir as they bellow out note after note throughout the whole album. The musicians play with a great spiritual energy in their sound to bring the album to a higher level. Sister, Gwendolyn Morton lends her vocals on ‘The Cross and The Blood Medley’ which gives honor to the great Thomas Whitefield. The choir sings the gospel classics ‘Down at the Cross’ and ‘Nothing but the Blood’. Morton then invites the spirit into the place as he expresses his gratitude for Jesus shedding His blood for us.

The album takes you higher and higher on a journey to getting closer to the Lord with the Holy Medley. ‘Angus Dei’ and ‘Bow Down’ both show reverence and honor to God. Tramaine Hawkins joins the Bishop and the choir and they all put their hearts and souls into ‘Holy One’ causing the spirit to again move throughout the crowd. Morton is joined by Bishop James Morton on ‘If it wasn’t for Your Grace’. The two express sincere gratitude to the Lord for His Grace and mercy during hard times. You can get your toe tapping and hand clapping on the good old fashion church sounding track ‘We Made It’. The band shows their skills as they put a New Orleans jazz style twist on the track as crowd celebrates the surviving spirit of New Orleans. Kurt Carr comes from behind the production board and joins the Bishop on the inspirational track ‘Be Blessed’.

Bishop Morton proves that God is real with this album. There is a confidence throughout the album that is heard as though nothing can stop God’s people. Still standing just proves that many obstacles may come but nothing can stop God’s work from being accomplished. Still Standing , is a musical testimony that all can enjoy to listen to, learn from and apply to their daily walk.