When I first caught wind of the fact that Donald Lawrence was going to be putting out a 'final' cd from the Tri-City Singers, I immediately shrugged it off as a publicity gimmick. How many times have we heard that a an artist is doing their farewell album, only to find out that there are more reunions, concerts, tours and cds to follow in the coming years. Maybe I was in denial, maybe I didn't want to believe what I heard, whatever the case, I wasn't gonna hear anymore of this crazy talk and put it out of my mind. Fast forward to the announcement of the live two day cd and dvd taping Tri-City would be doing of their final cd in Atlanta, GA. Yes, I was still in denial. Even though I had friends that had already purchased tickets, airline tickets and had made hotel reservations to be a part of this momentous occasion, I could not bring myself to attend. The realization did not hit me until one day when I walked into my favorite music store and came face to the face with the cover of 'Donald Lawrence Presents: The Tri-City Singers Finale, Act I & Act II'. A tear formed in the corner of my eye and it felt like the walls had closed in on me. Were my eyes deceiving me? Was this some cruel joke? No, it was as real as the nose on my face. If I had to have this finale at all, I had to have the whole thing. I went online and ordered the 'Collector's Edition'. When it arrived and I opened it, I did as the movie said, I 'Exhaled'. I grabbed my box of tissues, turned off my cell, slumped down on the couch, lit my aromatic candles, closed my eyes and loaded the cd in my player and relived times of days gone by. Please bare with me as I gather my strength to go through this review for you......'sigh'

Finale Act I begins with the first single release 'The Blessing of Abraham'. Simply put, no one can write like Donald and no one can sing like Tri-City. This declaration, based on the Word of God reminds the listener, that we are the heirs to the blessings that God Himself bestowed on Father Abraham. The choir pumps out the words of the chorus till it settles in your spirit, 'It's Yours, It's Yours, It's your inheritance'. I join in with Donald Lawrence when he says 'Get It, Get It!!!

'Heir' is such a rich and profound song, I had to listen to it several times before I could turn off my cd player. We are enlightened to the fact that we are heirs, we are royalty, destined to possess the land. The choir sings prophetically 'See yourself in the future, You are royalty'. The acappella melodic and surprising ending to this song shows why Tri-City is one of the premier choirs of our time. Give it a listen and you'll understand what I mean.

Donald Lawrence steps forward to introduce the song 'Giants'. Is it me or can Donald make a one word song like nobody's business (smile). He encourages the choir to sing the song like they used to sing in the 80's. This is definitely one of my favorites. The song hits home when the choir sings with all their might 'Let God arise, giants, die......' The words and delivery as so powerfully that a 'Praise Break' follows with such anointing, I had to pick 'em up and put 'em down a few times myself. If this song doesn't ignite you to Praise God, check yourself into the nearest hospital because something is wrong with you.

The next cut up is the worship song entitled 'God' lead by the beautiful voice of Erica McCullough. This song is so beautifully written and sung, that I believe the angels in heaven had to be jealous when Tri-City sang this one. If you want to worship, this song will put you in the presence of the King...instantly.

Donald Lawrence comes back to the mike again to introduce the song 'These Nails'. Blanche McAllister steps up to the plate and along with the rich voices of the choir behind her, knocks this song out of the park. We are reminded that because of the nails that were placed in our Savior's hands and feet, we are held in place and it keeps us from falling.

What would a finale be if we did not go back in the archives and remind people who Tri-City is. The choir does a medley of past hits beginning with 'Never Seen the Righteous'. 'Personal Friend' complete with a new big band swing era drum and brass section make this classic even more timeless than it was before. Donald even throws in the groove from The Maestro himself Thomas Whitfield's 'Let Everything That Hath Breath' for good measure. 'Walk With The King' sounds just as beautiful as it did when it was first introduced years ago. 'Stranger' brings back memories of one of Tri-City's first major hits. 'I Am God' lead by Arnetta Murrill-Crooms is a timeless classic that still hits home. 'O Peter' lead by the tenor section is a wonderful reminder that we are not to be afraid when Jesus bids us to come to Him. 'Cast Your Cares' lead by the incredible LeJuene Thomson let us know that Jesus is there to take all our burdens because He loves us. Daryl Coley blesses the mike and revisits his classic 'When Sunday Comes' complete with the remix. Daryl breaks into a Sunday morning message that adds to this already dynamically profound song. Is it me or does this man's anointed voice sound just as fresh as it did back when he first started? Donald Lawrence leaves no stone unturned as he ends this disc and revisits the Tri-City Singers' club smash 'Testify' complete with heavy bass and drum machines. This will definitely be a favorite among the young people.