“Still Holding On”
Christina Bell
Malaco Music Group (2023)
By Robert M. Marovich
Fronting a bluesy groove, a familiar rocking chair rhythm, and crooning background vocalists, Christina Bell delivers a melismatic workout on “Still Holding On.”
The former singer from Zie’l tears into her testimony: “I remember the time I almost gave up, y’all / Almost threw in the towel.” But God interceded and she’s here to sing His praises with enough worried notes to give Aretha pause. It’s excellent traditional work cloaked in modern accompaniment.