Artist: DeWayne Harvey and Unrestrained Praise
Label: Aleho Records
Reviewed By: Kevin E. Ien*
DeWayne Harvey a 30 year veteran in gospel music hailing from the sunny
state of Florida submits his latest project 'Tell It'. Harvey and GMWA
Executive Vice-Chair Al 'The Bishop' Hobbs co-executive produce this
recording. No doubt the majority of the cuts on this cd were tailor-made
for Sunday morning service.
First up is the radio friendly title cut 'Tell It'. This song hits the
heart of every believer simply by telling of the goodness of Jesus. With
its octave key changes and hot chorus, the tag team leads of Melynda
Rockley & Kizzy Walker sing this song like their lives depend on it.
After just a few minutes of hearing this addictive song, you'll be
singing this song in your sleep.
Next up is 'Nothing Blocking My View' lead by Sheila cooks who pumps the
live audience up on her rousing intro. The choir drives this song by
breaking up the sections letting the listener know that there is nothing
blocking their view by keeping their eyes fixed on God.
'God Has A Blessing' is straight up old school for lovers of good ole
fashioned choir music the way it used to be. The choir's rich vocals
remind us that God has blessings for all of us. The piano on this song
brings back memories of 'The Maestro' the late Thomas Whitfield as Kizzy
Walker sings from the depths of her soul. There is no way you can
listen to this track and not feel something. Trust me when I tell you.
Gospel Diva Angie Spivey comes in to add her heart wrenching vocals to
the cut 'I Can See My Storm'. While Angie can sing a song as simple as
the 'A B C's' and get you all messed up, this song really does her no
justice, but she pulls it off as only she can. This church choir
friendly song drives home the point that if you believe by faith, your
storm is moving on.
Fans of the Mississippi Mass Choir will love the cut 'Jesus Coming
Back'. This song will be a favorite among senior choirs from coast to
coast. The chorus is catchy and Olivia Harvey reminds every believer
not to get complacent because Jesus is coming back just like He said.
Olivia Harvey comes back with her rich raspy vocals to lead 'God Will
Deliver on Time'. Unrestrained Praise do their best to encourage the
listener that no matter how bad and bleak things may look, God will
ALWAYS deliver on time.
'It Was You' is every music lover's dream. Jimmy Hill and Sheila Hooks
offer up a beautiful duet with Unrestrained Praise in the background
adding rich smooth vocals. If you close your eyes while listening to
this one, you can't help but think of the powerful yet silky vocals of
Gerald Levert as Hill sings over and over again that it was nobody but
God that can do it for you.
The choir finally gets a chance to stretch it's vocals and show their
musical diversity a bit on the cut 'Power'. The groovy musical intro
will have the listener bobbing their heads and tapping their feet
instantly. Melynda & Kizzy come back to share powerful leads on this one
letting us know that we praise God that all power is in His hands.
The slamming lead guitar intro on 'Why Can't I Wait' will be a favorite
among listeners everywhere. Margaret Clark offers her rich, smooth
jazzy vocals and the choir again gets the opportunity to show their
strong vocal ability. Pretty soon you'll be asking your own self
'What's the rush?' Just learn to wait on God for everything that you
need.
'Use Me', lead by Earthale Thompson & Margaret Clark is introduced by a
beautiful duet on the piano and organ. The pairing on this song is
wonderful as they ask God to use them for His service, a sentiment that
every believer can identify with.
Finally 'More & More' the album's studio cut lead by Eric Weatherspoon
offers up beautiful, rich harmonies. The choir's vocals are clean and
tight and sum up this project by stating that we need more & more of
God. After all, isn't that what we all want in our daily Christian
walk?
I give this project 3 out of 5 stars.