Vickie Winans, Brenda Nicholas.....Sallye Jones, Monique Hawkins-Flott. Here's a compilation that pulls together a collage of cuts from female artists both nationally known and regionally honored. A Woman's Journey from Reaching Records puts a distinctive female viewpoint on God's good news. Certainly, attention to this project is garnered by the inclusion of big songs, notably Vickie Winans' interpretation of the Marvin Winans-penned classic, "Can I Build (My Home In You)?" Brenda Nicholas singing "It Is Well (With My Soul)" is also something that never grows tired. But as Reaching Records record exec. John Redmon would no doubt admit, once your attention is gotten, it's hard to pull away, for the several other songs on this project grab with equal force. The names may not be as well known, but no matter. The rousing opening cut ("Praise the Lord!") comes from the female group, Full Assurance, based in Orlando, Florida. Decatur's Sallye Jones makes wonderful work in interpreting (and making her own) the Yolanda Adams hit, "The Battle Is The Lord's." In a similar traditional vein, Monique Hawkins-Flott sings out the hymn "I Must Tell Jesus". Choir representation is strong on the inspirational "Giving God The Highest Praise," with Doris Jones out in front of the New Life SDA Church "Diva" Choir, out of Huntsville, Alabama. The same part of the country boasts the Oakwood College Aeolians, who deliver a gentle rendition of the lullaby, "God Loves His Children," with Paula Wallace singing lead. Ellen Fitzgerald Cherry and Cynthia Redmon both express experiential testimonies on their respective cuts. Rounding out the collection is a dramatic cut, "Can You Take This Pain Away?" that succeeds in pulling you in to the drama. Featuring the rounded tones of Lorrie Lewis-Lyles and spoken interludes, the John Redmon song gives a modern spin on the Good Samaritan parable. Eleven tracks of God-praising variety, it's A Woman's Journey. (Stan North - Gospelflava.com) ************** This compilation project by John Redmon is one of the best produced CD's out! John's sacrifice and dedication to this project should be commended. He has captured the essence of what gospel music means to people. I recently received this CD project and can't seem to put it down. Treat yourself to some great gospel music. Buy the CD today!!! (Ken Hayes, Ken's Gospel Crib, Atlanta, Ga.) *************** Production Credits Vickie Winans : Performer Monique Hawkins-Flott : Performer Ellen Fitzgerald-Cherry : Performer, Vocals (Background) Full Assurance : Performer (Karmen Taylor, Kelli Taylor, Sharon Duncan, Dominique Mathurin) Lorrie Lewis-Lyles : Performer Sallye Jones : Performer, Vocals (Background) Cynthia Redmon : Performer Brenda Nicholas : Performer Doris Jones : Performer Paula Wallace : Performer Cassell Helton : Performer (Can You Take This Pain Away?) Patricia Daniels : Performer (Can You Take This Pain Away?) Tom Lyles : Performer (Can You Take This Pain Away?) New Life SDA Church "Diva" Choir : Choir (Background) (Giving God the Highest Praise) The Oakwood College Aeolians (Chorale): Vocals (Background) (God Loves His Children) (Gian Alexis, Roberto Burton, Jason Ferdinand, Michael Green, Joanne Jennett, April Mendinghall, Marvin C. Pitcher, Baron Savory, Jeremy Winston) Professor Lloyd Mallory : Director, Vocals (Background) (God Loves His Children) John Redmon : Executive Producer, Piano, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Arranger, Synthesized Bass, String Arrangements, Horn Arrangements, Choir Director, Vocals (Background) Jim Hawthorne : Producer, Vocals (Background), Sound Effects, Percussion, Horn Arrangements, String Arrangements, Recording Engineer, Mixing, Mastering (Can You Take This Pain Away?, A Mother's Journey, Giving God the Highest Praise) David Anderson : Performer, Electric Guitar, Bass, Horn Arrangements, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Percussion, Drum Programming, Producer (Praise the Lord!) Steven Todd-Miller : Harp (God Loves His Children, Where Were You?, A Mother's Journey) Craig King : Piano (God Loves His Children) Diane Rugless : Choir Director, Vocals (Background) (Giving God the Highest Praise) Philip Nicholas : Arranger, Vocals (Background) (It is Well With My Soul) Rick DeLima : Arranger (I Must Tell Jesus) Doug Smith : Recording Engineer, Sound Effects, Mixing, Producer Bob Noeske : Recording Engineer Phil Clanton : Mastering