Music Reviews

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The Be Lifted Up Party:
Reaching the Masses through Praise & Worship
By Charity E. Lewis

The chic café setting at Word Alive International Church on Friday, April 25 created an atmosphere of relaxation, fellowship and anticipation for “the Godfather of Gospel’s” explosive performance on the sound stage. Venturing from as far as Boise, ID and Atlanta, GA, adoring fans experienced a majestic and monumental evening with Gospel legend, Bishop Leonard Scott, while celebrating the release of his inaugural praise and worship album “Be Lifted Up.”

While other golden Gospel artists are shrinking away from the industry for fear of modern technologies and methods of reaching a fast paced generation, one stalwart remains innovative. Internationally renowned for his hymnal series, Scott now presents a fresh and divergent sound, inclusive of guitar based, Latin, reggae and Christian worship, sprinkled with jazz and funk, in addition to ground roots Gospel.

Dilettantes were afforded a free opportunity for a hands-on experience with the artists himself throughout the evening. Amid photo ops and listening stations where on lookers could preview the “Be Lifted Up” DVD and the breaking of bread in the café, Indianapolis’ own founder of Tyscot Records, opened his heart and displayed a sincere passion for souls through song.

From the fulminating opening performance of his hit single Mighty God, Scott’s James Brown like choreography enraptured the crowd. Backed by Indianapolis based Calvary Temple Worship Choir, he also performed the title track Be Lifted Up. Liturgical dancers ushered the multitude into ecstatic worship during “You Are My Source,” a guitar based anthem, which features Christian artist Rachael Lampa. Bishop Scott led his song Bow My Spirit with stirring affect. The humbling anthem, also on Be Lifted Up (the album), features contemporary gospel artist Darwin Hobbs who recently signed to Tyscot Records.

Accomplished in the arts, Scott deems this new praise and worship album his niche. “The world is changing so fast through new technologies and inventions,” he says. “Though the good news of the Gospel remains the same, we as ministers of the Gospel must utilize whatever means possible that are moral and ethical to propagate this great Gospel,” he says, expounding on his fresh and unconventional song and dance which led souls to the cross as Christ was lifted up.

“It was an energetic worship experience,” says Torian Berry, a dedicated Bishop Leonard Scott fan. “It was a new surprise and very unexpected because you don’t see that in traditional religious settings. It was outstanding”
“Bishop Leonard Scott’s debut concert for his new release, ‘Be Lifted Up’ was an exciting experience that was filled with anticipation of God’s presence,” says Leslie Lewis, Vice President of Marketing, Tyscot Records. “The unity of the atmosphere, the intimate songs of praise and worship led us directly to where we all wanted to be…there in His presence. The experience left me cleansed, encouraged and wanting more.”

“This is Bishop’s best project ever,” says Dr. Bobby Cartwright, founder of Gospel Superfest, who also attended the album release party. “It has so much depth,” he says of the album which he believes will continuously reach souls nationally on both the CCM and Gospel Charts.
“My prayer is that the momentum continues and that ‘Be Lifted Up’ becomes a blessing to many,” says Scott. The CD & DVD are now available on line and in stores everywhere.

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