(Photo :Norman Hutchins "Hosanna" Album Cover)

"Hosanna" isn't just a faddish catchword Christians use in the Easter season.  Rather, it's a fait accompli statement of faith that originated from Psalm 118:25.  In a time when Israel's enemies were about to demolish the walls of  the city of Jerusalem, break open their gates, ransack their belongings, rape their wives, enslave their children and exile their young men, the psalmist could still confidently declare that God will save them.  As the years progressed, this term "hosanna" (which means "save, I pray") was worked into a cycle of prayers called the "hoshana service." Year after year, in the Jewish festival of Sukkot, Jews await with faith that the Messiah will save them.  Thus, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday with the devious claws of the Romans already reaching the city's nerve city, it is the déjà vu of Psalm 118 all over again. Except that Jesus was indeed the Messiah who has come to save his people not from Rome but from the wrath of God.  Thus, the word "hosanna" is a faith statement: it is an unwavering articulation that Jesus will save us from all catastrophes.  And such is the theme of Norman Hutchins' latest choir/worship live release "Hosanna." These are more than just mere 12 songs; they are anthems of faith delivered with just the right balance of Godly command and heartfelt humility.

Not only is Dr. Norman Hutchins the pastor of Sunday Morning Church Music, he was the Executive Minister of Music for Bishop Charles Blake at the West Angels C.O.G.I.C. in Los Angeles CA for over 15 years. Under his belt are numerous accolades including four Stellar Award nominations, three Dove Award nominations and a BMI Award. After selling more than 500,000 copies records, "Hosanna" is Hutchins' tenth album release.  The title cut and single "Hosanna," already a top 30 Billboard Gospel hit, is one of the catchiest Gospel tunes this year.  Hutchins and his choir certainly know how to take us to church with this celebratory worship number that gorgeously ties in the resurrection and Jesus' saving power together.  With a strong brass section and some soulful organ flourishes, Hutchins and his choir have a spirited call and response in the exhilarating "Lord You are a Mighty God." 

Set to be released as the sophomore single over the Christmas season is the lyrically apt, "You Brought Us Peace." The song wisely avoids the usual schmaltzy of the festive season. Yet, it doesn't belie the season's reason where Hutchins spells out clearly how Christ bridges the distance between us and God.  Producers Michael Bereal and Grammy award winning R&B crooner Regina Belle are to be congratulated for their deft touches on the album's ballads.  Both "All I Need" and "I Love You Jesus" are gems to savor and worship along with.  With just the right combination of strings and keyboard riffs, "All I Need," in particular, provides just the right platform for us to abandon ourselves into the Savior's arms again in what is a beautifully crafted love song to Jesus. 

Hutchins is far from being an entertainer; he is first and foremost a minister.  And he does minister to us with one of the boldest prophetic declaration of faith with "Season of Miracles." Just as "Hosanna" in the Bible is a faith-infused outcry to God, "Season of Miracles" is three and a half minute of Hutchins bringing us into the audience of God.  "Hosanna," as a whole, is a faith-filled album.  It is bold, daring and so holy.  Never letting Jesus go, Hutchins teaches us through these 12 songs that unless we grab hold of Jesus, we have nothing.   And unless we cry out "Hosanna," "Lord save us we pray," we too will be doomed.    

Norman Hutchins "Hosanna" [Video]