No Limits Live (CD)

As one of praise & worship music’s most acclaimed independent performers, Martha Munizzi has enjoyed uncommon exposure both in album sales and industry accolades. Besides selling more than 330,000 copies of her first three recordings, Munizzi made history in January when she became the first non-African-American to win a Stellar Award (she received the 2005 “New Artist of the Year” honor). Now a bona fide signed artist, Munizzi releases her first record with Integrity Music, a live dual-disc set containing 22 of her most soulful and memorable numbers.

Recorded at Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge, La., shortly before Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, No Limits showcases Munizzi’s confident mezzo-soprano vocals and compelling persona. It’s important to note that while no live recording can duly capture the full extent of an actual worship experience, No Limits comes awfully close. No doubt the capable production of Noel Hall (former musical director for Fred Hammond) helped to render the clarion result. Then there are the spoken exultations Munizzi provides on virtually every track, which may give some listeners the sense that they are ascending to a higher place.

The album’s title track kick-starts the proceedings and sets the tone for what quickly becomes a nonstop procession of captivating yet largely unfamiliar, mid- and up-tempo worship songs (save for widely known standard “Amazing Love”). Arrangements are simple yet deftly executed, mostly underpinned by keyboard, electric guitar and the accompaniment of a gifted supporting gospel choir.

While the first disc contains a respect-able supply of rewarding songs (witness the powerful R&B intonations of “Name Above All Names”), disc two features the lion’s share of notable tunes. To wit, standout ballad “While You Worship” speaks of praising God even during difficult times in life (“The storm will make you stronger/It drives you to your knees”). And despite the clichéd title, horn-infused cut “Jesus Is the Best Thing” resonates a buoyant Caribbean feel. The project concludes with the foot-stomping number “Chosen Generation,” a fitting finish for someone who seems to be just gearing up to make a joyful noise for the Lord.

DAVID McCREARY

Review Provided by CCMmagazine.com