Lucinda Moore | Blessed, Broken & Given
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Lucinda Moore – Blessed, Broken & Given
Lucinda Moore does not take for granted what the Lord has done for her,especially behind the church and concert stages. Her powerful soprano voice was groomed and her durability was shaped by her grandmother since she was age four. Working hard for this talent, mentored by Tremaine Hawkins from the legendary Hawkins Family while a teenager, was naturally easy. Besides Tremaine Hawkins, Moore’s musical heroes are a stellar cast of gospel’s most potent voices including Pastor Shirley Caesar, Pastor Donnie McClurkin and The Clark Sisters. That mentorship with Hawkins was just the beginning of a very busy ministry and edifying journey for Moore. Encouraging others throughout various gospel conferences and her magnifying solos, both as a guest artist and her recording career with Tyscot Records, was indeed a product of solid teaching and an excellent work ethic.
With those musical gifts and talents bestowed to Moore on one side, she dealt with many intense challenges throughout her personal life – from depression to an abusive marriage – which can attract people towards cynicism. However, knowing who her power source is, she has re-pursued God in a bigger and wiser way. What an appropriate platform she has for her testimony than her sophomore disc, Blessed, Broken & Gifted. From the one who introduced the gospel world to “Pressure into Praise”in 2006, the Bridgeport, Connecticut native is completely comfortable in a praise and worship zone, even when she was living in pure discomfort.
Before signing with Tyscot, Moore was a well-seasoned minister and guest vocalist. Moore has contributed numerous guest solos with Hezekiah Walker, The Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), Joe Pace& The Colorado Mass Choir and many others. She also joined several respected leaders including Bishop T.D. Jakes and Prophetess Juanita Bynum for numerous conferences. She released a four-track independent EP entitled Unlimited Praise. Her self-titled national debut produced by one of worship’s best songwriters, Vashawn Mitchell, invited the listener to church with Moore’s convicting voice in full control; whether with an upbeat Caribbean jam “Pressure Into Praise,” in duet with Pastor Daryl Coley on“Safe In His Arms” or the classic hymn “The Old Rugged Cross.”
Blessed, Broken & Gifted comes during a long period when Moore’s personal pressures finally came to a head. Throughout this disc recorded live at The Elizabeth Baptist Church, she created an outlet to help her reach another plateau with God and to help others battling full plates of stress. Unquestionably, Moore’s voice pierces the soul on every track. It does not make a difference whether it is roots gospel or contemporary urban praise because Moore is sincerely locked into her purpose of glorifying God.
The opening track, “We Celebrate The Cross,” is an effective praise setter. There have been many pop/rock fueled pieces on recent urban gospel recordings (Darwin Hobbs “He Is Able” comes to mind as one example). But I believe “Fruit of my Lips” succeeds simply because of Moore’s timing and adlibs. “There’s A River” expounds on the Biblical account of the woman at the well, thanks to Moore musical touch and an opening narration by Moore’s pastor Dr. Kevin A. Williams. “Let the Praises Flow” exudes a great attitude check when one does not feel like praising God. Even though these tracks certainly spark the love for unadulterated praise and worship, the title track detours into some heavy personal moments. Moore does not mess around in addressing the audience how she reached her breakthrough to find renewed peace: “Let Jesus break you.” Finally,Moore finds more hymn gems like “I Need Thee” and a “Fire Baptized Melody” featuring “I’m Running for my Life” to represent the old school.
The hindrances are few on Blessed, Broken & Gifted. For instance, one can sometimes barely hear the congregation from Elizabeth Baptist feed off the passionate atmosphere. A few tracks also fade a bit too abruptly affecting the continuity in spots. Otherwise, Blessed, Broken & Gifted continues to prove Moore is considered one of gospel’s hardest working and vocally skillful talents faithfully serving the cause of Christ despite what hardships might break her spirit.
Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene