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Charles Laster II has said elsewhere that his style is a combination of influences, including Andre Crouch, Billy Preston, and Stevie Wonder. Just so; one can hear all of those gentlemen, and more, swirling In JOURNEY OF LIFE, Laster’s project with musical, spiritual and emotional partner Silvia Pratesi.

JOURNEY OF LIFE is an unabashed declaration of worship of Jesus Christ, a contemporary work of hope and joy and thanksgiving. Laster, largely unknown to secular audiences, has been active since the late 1980s, working on such disparate projects as theme music for basketball’s Detroit Pistons, commercials for the Ford Motor Company, and a number of gospel compositions recorded and made popular by others. JOURNEY OF LIFE is his third project to bear his name. It is by turns modern and old skool; “Joy Train” is probably the standout tune here, intended to crossover to secular audiences, I would guess, but uncompromising, like the rest of JOURNEY OF LIFE, in its message of worship. “True Love,” however, is a smooth R & B affirmation of physical and spiritual love, where Laster’s vocal talents really shine. “The Family Song” is a return to the roots, a Gospel anthem that should, if it isn’t already, be a mainstay in at least some Sunday services. And “The Promise” is perhaps one of the best contemporary wedding songs I’ve recently heard.

From what I can gather JOURNEY OF LIFE is inspired in large parts by Pratesi’s battle with, and recovery from, cancer. Pratesi and Laster share songwriting credits and it appears that both are prolific artists. We can accordingly welcome more from both of them, singly and together, as they breathe new life into a genre that remains off of the radar yet alive and vibrant.