There must be something uniquely awesome about a choir talented enough to garner personal presentation from the incomparable Ms. CeCe Winans. Granted, this is the senior choir from The Born Again Church in Nashville where CeCe is a member. However, these minstrels have more than paid their dues over the years; having recorded background vocals for some of the nation’s top artists such as Travis Tritt, Donnie McClurkin, Kelly Price and Amy Grant to name a few. Sensing that their season has arrived, CeCe Winans presents The Born Again Church Choir via her record label and brainchild: PureSprings Gospel (now known as Wellspring Gospel) . An exemplary team of talent collaborated on this live recording session, producing a stellar project well worth having in your personal repertoire.

The choir quickly proves that they are worthy of professional status by modulating a whopping seven times while singing the appropriately titled “Exalted Praise.” This up-tempo opener is led by Jerard Woods whom you’ve noticed as the lone male singer in CeCe’s background trio.

Da’Dra Greathouse of the group Anointed gives a riveting rendition of “I Delight In Your Presence.” It’s a gentle worship song that tickles your ear with its “la-la-la” melodic vamp quickly climbing to a pentacle of praise. Worshipers will be pressing the repeat button on this one.

Da’Dra’s brother Steve Crawford, also of the group Anointed, invokes jealousy in all who missed the live performance as he does a vocal rumba through the joy-filled “It’s Already Done.” The Carribean-flavored jam was written by the up and coming Stephen Hurd (Undignifed Praise).

This project would not be complete without input from the presenter herself. CeCe quickly ushers listeners into the holy presence of God with the soothing sounds of “Pass The Gates” - Winans style!

The radio hit “Holiness Is Right” was written and performed by gospel industry powerhouse Desmond Pringle (Director of Urban/Gospel A&R for Word Label Group). This catchy ‘no holds barred’ selection is sure to reverberate within the soul.

Israel Houghton of Israel & New Breed seems to reach a new height of worship while singing “It’s All About You.” Then, Gale West switches gears by taking us to church with the foot-stomping “Breakthrough.” And it wouldn’t be presented by CeCe if it weren’t worship-filled, now would it? No disappointments here as this well-rounded collection includes Denotra Sneed giving deep insight into the angelic vision of the old testament prophet “Isaiah.” Additionally, Demetria Slayden slays listeners with her heart-filled expressions on “Pastor’s Prayer - Overtake Us,” duly narrated by CeCe’s shepherd, Pastor Horace Hockett. Steve Crawford returns to close out with a tight groove highlighting the blessings of giving with a creative arrangement called “The Offering Song.”

We have the Caldwell duo (Cedric and Victor) to thank for the masterful production on this conglomeration along with Elijah “D.D.” Holt.

All hesitation about making this purchase can be quickly eradicated with the answer to one simple question: Has anyone ever known CeCe to half-step...?