Biography
The ever-evolving genre of gospel music has brought us from the deep acapella harmonies of small church-house congregants to the percussion driven melodies on the world stage. Gospel music has transcended many boundaries but has remained true to it’s definition, “Good News”. The newest installment from James Grear runs the gamut. It takes us back to a time when songs were born out of great adversity. It reminds us of that time when hand-clapping and foot-stomping kept tempo for the music that stirred our souls. Yet it serves up an authentic course of funky R&B tracks which place us solidly in the present. James Grear & Nu Friends has brought us a reminiscent treasure of inspiration and encouragement.
James Grear, whose work has garnered many accolades including four Stellar Awards nominations, has, in his first live project deliberately chosen to take the “bare-bones” approach. “I wanted this project to be a simple production, not over-produced. I wanted it to reflect the traditional, Sunday morning side of choir music,” says Grear. This is truly an artistic breakaway for the man who can boast of featured performances with the likes of Dr. Bobby Jones, BeBe & CeCe Winans, and Richard Smallwood.
James Grear & Nu Friends Live comes out swinging with the contemporary, upbeat first track, “Just Hold On”, which encourages us to do just that. In “He Kept Me”, we are transported to a Sunday service in a small, down-home Baptist church where the organ is the main vein to every utterance. “Now Faith” unabashedly whips us into the here and now with its heavy bass line and fusion of funk and R&B, all the while reminding us that “Now Faith…” “It Shall Come To Pass” spirals back to the traditional realm of Gospel music--guaranteed to bring you to your feet in praise.
The remake, “I Surrender All,” starts in its original form then moves melodiously into tight harmonies which bellow an impacting testimony of ultimate surrender. “Jesus Is Holy” is a perfect praise song which proclaims all the attributes of Jesus. “Something’s Happening,” with it’s slight calypso strain, is a great song to open up a traditional praise and worship session. “Perfect Peace Parts I & II” are obviously very personal contributions that offer a message of encouragement through hard times. The last track on the album, “He’s My Help”, quotes the beloved Psalm with a light salsa beat and rich vocals that this group is known for.
Ultimately, the theme of inspiration and encouragement resonates throughout this project. Each composition offers something unique, yet the message is still the same, “Despite what you’re dealing with, God is your keeper.”
|
