For The Record: Richard Smallwood Delivers A Project Consistent With His Masterful Musicality
Pioneer… consistent… mainstay… teacher… classical… foundational…
Those are just a few words that sum up “the maestro” Richard Smallwood, one of gospel music greatest living treasures. And on his new album, Promises, (in stores today, July 19, 2011), Smallwood continues to demonstrate these qualities like few can.
Spurred along by the lead single, “Trust Me,” Richard Smallwood’s 15th album is a 15-track collection of music that is consistent with the Smallwood brand, but welcoming of new styles and approaches to “classic Smallwood.”
My immediate favorites on this project include:
– “Facts Are, Truth Is,” written by Donald Lawrence. The collabo was such a no-brainer that I’m slightly hoping for a full album of Lawrence and Smallwood-written, arranged and produced tunes– can you IMAGINE?! The sheer bliss of the track is further secured by Vision vocalist Charisse Nelson-McIntosh, known for her now-famous leads on earlier tunes like “Anthem of Praise” and “Thank You.”
– ”Mender,” which is an instant classic to me. It’s what you WANT Richard Smallwood & Vision to sing, and it goes JUST like you want it to go.
– “Sow In Tears,” another classic that just sounds RIGHT. The chords and vocal performance from Vision remind us why they’re one of gospel’s most respected ensembles.
Other notable tunes include the jazzy “Praying for Peace,” which features Lalah Hathaway (whose father, the late Donny Hathaway, was a classmate of Smallwood’s at Howard University) and “Unchangeable,” which feels like a well-done homage to a 90′s urban choir cut.
Fans of Smallwood’s classical side will enjoy tunes like the single, “Trust Me,” and “God of Promises,” all of which are woven with rich orchestration and arrangements, as well as his signature piano. You will also enjoy the feel-good rousing chorus “I’m Forgiven,” and the remake of the Hawkins-classic “Is There Any Way?”
Perhaps what I like most about this album is that, though Promises is Smallwood’s first musical offering since his beloved mother passed in 2005, he’s not out of touch or in any way “too late.” On the contrary, Richard Smallwood has sculpted contemporary gospel music for decades and, as such, any visit from the Maestro is a welcome one. He picks up where he left off– with solid tunes that are familiar enough to catch on to, but challenging enough to embarrass your church choir if you’re not careful.
Check out snippets and purchase this album right here–http://www.gospelpundit.com/
