Mainstay Kee and his vocal ensemble, New Life, return on the heels of their gold-selling Not Guilty! . . . the Experience with a new set of Kee originals that arrestingly asserts his gift for marrying traditional and contemporary gospel into a seamless and singular whole. “I Won’t Let Go” is a bona fide Sunday-morning foot-stomper. “He’s the Greatest” is funk-driven choral music at its best, while “Enough Is Enough” sports a sturdy hip-hop spin. Kee is equally adept at slowing things down. “That’s Why I Praise You” is a heart-tugging ballad, and the acoustic-guitar-driven “More Than Anything” a memorable song of praise. Blessed by Association is an exciting, entertaining—even engulfing—experience, and a rousing reiteration of Kee and New Life’s determination to speak the Gospel through the power and persuasion of music.—GE
