Saxophonist/keyboardist Tyrone Birkett puts together an ambitious project here with Paula Ralph Birkett/voc, Gregory Royals/key, Reggie Young/g andJason Patterson/dr. He’s composed and arranged a collection of modern and traditional spirituals, put them into a jazz/funk context and threw in some passionate vocals and solos to boot. Focusing of spiritual and social freedom, Paula Ralph Birkett’s vocals range from spoken words backed by an improvising groove as on”The Post modern Spiritual” to some real testifying along with a synth background and passionate sax solo on “The Struggle.” Royals’ pensive piano joins with Birkett’s warm sax on a recitative on “Deep River” while some assertive keyboard work builds up intensity on “Strength.” A 70s R&B feel successfully permeate “Freedom Dreaming” and “The Promise, ” completing the circle on this collection of “soul” music.