Search - Richard Smallwood, Vision :: Journey: Live in New York

Another gem in a long line of jewels

Peace Brotha | Ohio, United States | 06/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's been 6 long years since we had some new music from Minister Smallwood.



Was it worth the wait? YES.



As expected, all of the songs are spirit-filled and will continue to last long after the initial newness. Richard's love for His Creator is expressed through his inspired songwriting, arranging and playing. All of the songs bear his mark, so anyone that is a fan will be pleased to find that his style his 100% intact, yet still fresh. And he always employs the very best vocalists and instrumentalists -- so again, no surprises here.



Things begin with a great career retrospective narrated by the one and only Al Hobbs. Placed in the context of the musical testimony that follows, 'I Won't Give Up', it's a brilliant, humble and tastefully done narrative. It recaps Richard's accomplishments through God without going into the Pharasaical self-congratulating mode that Apostle A and Prophetess B include on too many spiritual projects in this decade. Just 2 tracks in, this lets the discerning listener know that JOURNEY is unique.



Richard's penchant for covering a wide variety of musical styles is a banner that is still flying at full mast. Praise and worship, traditional gospel, his trademark classical-jazz tinged pop, and inspirational R&B are all here, PLUS an operatic vocal. There's also a heartfelt and awesome piano solo dedicated to his late mother. Richard is a pianist beyond compare.



Guest appearances by Kim Burrell (WOW!!), Kelly Price, The Hawkins Family, the original Smallwood singers and Chaka Khan (!) guarantee that people who have an ear and appreciation for vocal technicians will be satisfied. Richard's earnest and passionate vocals are also represented throughout, connecting with the music like only a songwriter singing his own songs can.



One misstep: the annoying packaging. There are 2 discs here, with good bonus stuff. But the music is split between the two, instead of having all the "real" songs on one disc, and the instrumentals and videos on the other disc. You must program your player, download all the songs to an iPod or make your own customized disc if you want to listen to the music without the instrumentals in between. A small pain, but a pain nonetheless, especially since Richard's albums always lend themselves to repeated spins.



Back to the music: I had the opportunity to see Richard and Vision last year here in Ohio and they were phenomenal (again, as usual). When I heard 'I'll Trust You' I knew it'd be an instant standard. Now that I've heard the final version there's no doubt in my mind that it will be. And it didn't hurt that Richard included two performance tracks of that song on the second disc, lol. You'll be hearing this one in many churches on Saturday and Sunday mornings, the same way you heard and still hear 'Total Praise' and 'Balm In Gilead', to name just a few from the RS repertoire.



There are other songs that will be instant favorites, also. In fact, the whole set is so good that it's almost anti-climactic since it's everything we'd expect. Which leads me to the one thing that concerns me: the whole thing seems too final. I really hope that Richard is not planning to retire from the ministry.



But if he must retire, JOURNEY is a perfect way to close a career that has inspired millions of people the world over. It's yet another statement that Richard Smallwood's ministry is a gift and talent that is not likely to be seen in our lifetime again ... and moreover, a testament that God is still on His throne in 2007. Praise Him for blessing us with this anointed collection of songs delivered by one of His most dedicated and sincere servants.



And let's all pray that Richard's musical journey is not over.

"

I LIKE IT

Schuyler Johnson | OHIO | 06/08/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I really don't buy alot of Richard Smallwood albums because I prefer the Richard Smallwood singers, but anyway I really like the CD it has very nice arrangements but most of all the question was raised to me, this the age of everybody reuniting for albums I was so impressed by the Smallwood singers we need a full album from them I would enjoy that and also The Hawkins need to go head and record a reunion project they were the bomb on here!"

Richard Smallwood continues his Journey

Percy Williams | New York City | 06/16/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"A longtime fan of Professor Richard Smallwood - that, I am.



Smallwood possesses an unquestionable gift; one given to him by God and shared with the world through his passion and ministry of gospel music. The journey of Richard Smallwood (in song) became apparent to the world in the early 1980's, though he'd been singing since childhood and directing choirs since age 12.



Recorded, August 2005, the initial release date of this project was rescheduled, due in part to the loss of Richard's beloved Mother, Mabel Ruth Smallwood, whom he honors and credits highly with giving him his start in the art of music.



I was in attendance the evening of this recording and the atmosphere inside of the Hammerstein Ballroom, before the recording, was electric, to say the least. You see, New York City admires Richard Smallwood and to have him agree to record a live project on the richest island in the world, Manhattan, was an event!



You will find that this effort consists of not 1, but 2 CD's; one disc is enhanced with a video performance and before closing out disc two, you are treated to 3 bonus tracks. As much as I admire Professor Smallwood, while reviewing this product, I wasn't thoroughly inspired by what I heard until disc two filled the studio. Oh yes, "I'll Trust Him" on disc one, performed by Mr. Smallwood was excellent, but that was all. Vision, Smallwood's talent laden ensemble, start the ball rolling on disc two with a rousing anthem entitled "All The Glory"; it just gets better from there as special guests, Kelly Price, The Hawkins Family and new convert, Chaka Khan take the stage.



Overall, this offering from Richard Smallwood is acceptable, for it is he who is responsible for the movement and undeniable marriage of classical music to traditional gospel music; for that he will always be esteemed. My faves on Journey: Live in New York include, "I'll Trust Him", "All The Glory", "Morning's Breaking" and "Precious Is Your Name."

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