Isn’t it wonderful that God strategically plants good-hearted people like Rodnie Briant into the Gospel music industry? Rodnie will always be blessed because he chooses to pour into the lives of others; helping them to achieve their goals while he endeavors to accomplish the vision that he has been inspired to manifest. To qualify the previous statements: Rodnie Bryant, arguably best known for his late 90’s smash hit “He’s A Keepa” recorded with CCMC (The Christian Community Mass Choir) is now branching out like a tree planted by the rivers of water. Consequently, he’s bringing forth fruit in his season - a “Change Of Seasons,” if you will. Much like a tree, Rodnie remains true to his roots, recording with CCMC as usual. But the newness of spring is in the air as he turns over a new leaf by catapulting talents like the group “Yet Unseen” and IYGMC (Indy’s Youth Gospel Music Camp) onto the music stage. While others might rather hog the limelight and bathe in their own glory, Rodnie takes two steps aside and allows the spot to shine on the next generation of praise. One might expect such a potpourri to sound like just another compilation CD - or worse, a choir competition. Yet, the producers manage to maintain Rodnie’s style while causing the listeners to flow so smoothly from track to track, they’ll forget that three different choirs were involved. There is a spirit of unity that rings evident in the finished product.

This CD has several great highlights. There are eleven tracks and I’m about to say something that I almost never say…I like ALL OF THEM! (I can’t believe I actually said that), but it’s true – and I can be quite critical at times. So, rather than prate on and on about each one, I’ll touch on a few outstanding points. There are two great throw backs; each of which happens to be a favorite of mine: “Say The Word” and “My Liberty.” “My Liberty” is one of those songs that you just don’t touch. It’s a classic and nobody sings it quite like Yolanda Adams did when she was a teenager. Well, I don’t know where Rodnie found Nicki Ross-Turnley but she truly ‘liberated’ herself while recording this one. She has the jazzy voice control of Kim Burrell and the seemingly limitless range of Karen Clark-Sheard. I hope we’ll be hearing more from her in the near future. You’ll feel like you were there when you hear “We’ve Come This Far By Faith” as the audience gets involved. Yes, they included an upbeat churchy tune, “Don’t Judge My Praise.” Who knew Wanda Nero Butler could still squall like that? Take “Hear My Cry O God” to your church choir and see if they can handle that many modulations.

Some of the tracks are extended, providing listeners with the true essence of a live concert recording experience. Additionally, there’s video footage and photos included to round out the enhanced CD.

I give kudos to Rodnie Bryant along with Tyscot Records for sounding the Gospel trumpet in an omni-directional way. Not every change of season is a welcomed one, but this one came with a breath of fresh air.

Carter’s Choice Cut: Track #3 – “My Liberty”