I'm Still Here

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, Albertina Walker proves that “I’m still here.” – Ed Hogan