I'm Still Here
is a welcome addition to those fans of gospel pioneer
Albertina Walker
as well as those who favor traditional gospel. Two mid-tempo selections, the solid
"Lord, I Thank You"
and the rockin'-from-side-to-side inducing
"I've Got Jesus,"
are perfect for heartfelt praise. The classic
"The Impossible Dream"
is given a new poignancy as delivered by the singer against a jazzy, big-band backdrop. She mined the same musical vein on a reworking of the standard
"You Don't Know What the Lord Has Done for Me"
on
Allen & Allen
's
Come Sunday
album. Two slow introspective numbers,
"I'm Still Here"
and
"Sanctify Me (I'm Available),"
both written by the prolific
V. Michael McKay
, quickly joined
Walker
's long list of classics. The CD closer is an electric rendition of
"Close to Thee"
that features only the singer and an accompanying piano. With such a soul-stirring collection,
proves that "I'm still here." ~ Ed Hogan