NO GREATER LOVE VOL 1 by THE CHRIST EXPERIENCE

“WELL, I wanted all the credit to go the team and all glory to be unto God”, says DJ Priv with an expressionless gaze as he toys with a soda bottle cap at The Elixir. You get the feeling that Priv does not say anything at all until he is good and ready. We were in for a long day!

We had asked him his reasons for releasing NO GREATER LOVE VOL 1 under The Christ Experience Project brand instead of just claiming all the recognition - as he had done 90% or more of the work involved.

When we got the CD itself earlier, we were all amazed at the sheer originality of the aloe-green packaging. Its complexity lied in its simplicity. Simple as. NO GREATER LOVE VOL 1 is a 10-track epic Gospel Jazz piece that has renditions of old classics as well as new music executive produced and performed by DJ Priv and The Christ Experience Project.

To review the album without a modicum of bias we randomly threw in all the original tracks (i.e. except Amazing Grace…, Old Rugged Cross…and I Know It Was The Blood) from NO GREATER LOVE VOL 1 into a digital playlist that contained unfamiliar works from global jazz icons.

We put the player on and refused to watch the screen as it played. The idea was that if the production on any of the tracks on NO GREATER LOVE VOL 1 was sub-par, it will be evident juxtaposed to jazz tracks from renowned artistes. But after all the tracks had been played, the songs on NO GREATER LOVE VOL 1 were just as organized, soulful, smooth and avant-garde as the best of them.

The live CD-listening session was just as phenomenal. We were amazed at the attention to detail; including birds (yes, birds!) chirping at the tail end of Amazing Grace – Nothing Like This, albeit digital.  Now I Know(I Believe) is unbelievably soothing and could put even the Tazmanian Devil himself to sleep. Believe that.

The astounding thing about Jazz is that it leaves room for the listener to their own thoughts or dreams into the music. And on John 3:16 The Christ Experience Project perform another stunning track that allows a listener to fit in the message of the scripture as he/she listens – if they so wish.

His Love Reigns, undoubtedly one of the standout tracks of the album could easily give the Michael Thomases and Antonio Allens of this world a run for their big monies.

The Lamb’s Cross and Heaven Is Where We Belong are fantastic pieces. The strings and keys especially on the latter have to be heard to be appreciated.

The downside of the NO GREATER LOVE VOL 1 appears to be the length of the album. It is so good that the 50 minutes album time flies too quick.

Even the monotonous and repetitive sound of “Only He Is Worthy”, which reminds one of a standard skit rather than a near three-minute track is a tune worth checking out in its own unique way. 

In all, NO GREATER LOVE VOL 1 is a solid first-of-a-kind effort. A remarkable Gospel Jazz debut by Priv and The Christ Experience Project.

“I feel like God Himself is directing me when I start working on a piece. I’m only His tool. The inspiration is spiritual. I’m being sincere”, Priv says, this time with the slight hint of a smile on his face…

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Words by Lenny Briscoe II