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MUSIC REVIEW
It is All About Change…
Taken from Watch The Wind
(Track #15-CD-1), Just look at the Project cover and listen to any one
track, and you will both see and hear the wonderful change in Vicki Winans. With
a classy look and fresh sound, Vicki Winans releases a project that finally
matches her energetic, crowd-drawing, concert sold out style.
Vicki Winans is looking her best
and sounding her best. From her groundbreaking cut, We Shall Behold Him,
which landed her on the Gospel Map, to her Live In Detroit Projects,
Vicki Winans has always displayed her vast vocal talent. From her scats and
phenomenal pitches, to her tear jerking testimonies, Vicki Winans has always
been an Industry favorite.
Woman To Woman…
A top vocalist in the Gospel
Industry, with a contagious smile and an ever challenging spirit willing to go
the distant, It’s my surprise that her new project, Woman to Woman is
such a powerhouse. We all know that this Gospel Diva has had her share of
storms, but as she says, The Rainbow (Track #5-CD-2), tells me the
storm has past.
This project is evidence of
such. Housing musical tracks from contemporary with jump in your bones and make
you move percussion arrangements, to our beloved traditional gospel-churchy
sounds. One could listen to the musical tracks alone and have their very own
praise fest.
The Gospel Diva was very hands
on with this project, but then that’s her style. She co-wrote and co-produced
many of the songs. The project also features tracks produced by other industry
greats such as Cedric & Victor Caldwell, Marvin Winans, Jr., and Mario Winans,
her very own platinum winning son.
Music With A Message…
This project is more than just
wonderful music. With tracks as Try Christ (#7-CD-1), God Of Comfort
(#9-CD-1) and A Thousand Pains (#11-CD-2) and more like these, its quite
clear that Vicki Winans, wasn’t just focused on selling CD’s, but was
intentionally focused on sending powerful messages through her songs that will
draw others to Christ, as well as displaying top of the line, professional,
music.
Feeling herself and showing off
Vicki Winans is at the top of
her game and loving it. Can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us.
Vicki Winans’ Woman To Woman-her best project yet!
Visit Vicki Winans website at:
vickiwinans.com, and listen to a few cuts from the project.
“Flying Free with Butterfly
Wings”
Another masterpiece from Lilac
Films, Butterfly Wings: Claudine’s Story flew into the Carolina Theatre
this weekend and encouraged its audience to fly. The play revolves around the
struggle of its main character, Claudine Speller (played by Connie McCoy), to
get ahead in life. In trying to get ahead, Claudine begins to displace the
priorities in her life. This we all can relate to.
Claudine’s life comes to a
screeching halt, when all of the issues of her life come upon her at once. The
scene depicting Claudine’s struggle within was done so beautifully, that it is
beyond word. The scene displayed individuals representing Claudine’s struggles
wearing black. One by one, they spoke and then their speaking began to overlap.
The whole time, Claudine was holding her head, shaking, and struggling. There
was no doubt she was consumed with the issues of her life.
However, Claudine’s long awaited
answer came when she sought comfort and guidance from her mother (played by
Natasha Springer). Encouraging her daughter to give her life to Jesus and to
trust God to show her the path he has prepared for her, Natasha Springer
delivers a melodious, soul-stirring rendition of “Butterfly Wings”. After such
a rendition, the audience was flying with Claudine. We were flying free!
In addition to Claudine’s drama
and trauma, the play encompassed the life issues and brokenness of six different
individuals. The play does a wonderful job of both covering real life issues
faced daily, while at the same time showing how our lives are intricately woven
together. The only thing missing was Hezekiah Walkers: I Need You To Survive.
The play delivers enough humor
to keep you happy and enough realness to reach you. Shirrell McNeill of
Butterfly Wings, LLC/Butterfly Wings Restorative Ministry, Inc. (also the
Executive Director), Tyrone Stevens and April Mial of Lilac Films (the Executive
Producer) wrote the play.
A performance masterfully given,
the play received a standing ovation. Butterfly Wings: Claudine’s Story,
I encourage all to see it. It will leave you flying free - “Flying Free With
Butterfly Wings”.
Read more about Lilac Films by
visiting:
www.lilacfilms.com.
Shamielle Alston
TCP Magazine
ANDRAE CROUCH
MIGHTY WIND
Amazing! Awesome! Superb!
Wonderful! If I had to sum it up in one word, none of the previous words would
adequately describe the latest project by Andre’ Crouch. As I listened to the
project, I could hear the classic sound, the tight harmonies, the advance
arrangements that Crouch is known for.
Andre’ Crouch out does himself,
as he shows off musically. Any one with an appreciation for solid music will be
blown away by his current project. The project is reflective of its name,
Mighty Wind.
The Pastor, Psalmist, Musician,
shows the spectrum of his music talent on this project. The lyrics are
insightful, encouraging and uplifting. The music is soul stirring and heart
warming.
The Project houses tracks such
as his classic, Jesus is Lord, which now displays an updated percussion
and horn arrangement that gives the song a Caribbean feel. My personal favorite
is track number seven (Bless The Lord Chant), which aligns today’s words
with yester-year' harmonies creating a down home sound that is sorely missed by
many.
The selections on the project
initiate praise and worship. The project also has a track featuring Gospel
Great-Fred Hammond (O Give Thanks).
If you’ve wondered what Andre’
Crouch has been up to, this project answers that question: Writing anointed
music!
Andre’ Crouch, Mighty Wind -
You’re sure to be blown away!
Shamielle Austin
TCP Magazine
08.01.06
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