Amen Goes Right There
Dherico Music (2011)
By Bob Marovich for The BlackGospel Blog.
Amen Goes Right There is the debut
solo CD of Everett Drake, a Nashville singer-songwriter and long-time vocalist for the popular Bobby Jones television program. A former member of the famed Johnson Ensemble, Drake has toured with artists representing a variety of music
styles, including country’s Lyle Lovett and Donna Fargo.
While gospel remains Drake’s first
love, his solo CD, like his music career, traverses a cornucopia of styles: from traditional to high energy rhythm and praise to techno-infused pop. The lyrics, however, are rooted firmly in the sacred.
The project benefits from guest
soloists such as Adriann Lewis of Rizen, who shouts and squalls on the driving
opener, “That Name.” Top-shelf vocalists
Mark Kibble (Take 6) and Ann McCrary are in the chorus. Real brass and strings, the latter courtesy
of the famed Nashville String Machine, add authenticity.
The two top selections are the
title track, a catch-phrase driven call to action to love one another and come
together as a nation; and an updating of Rosie Wallace’s beloved 1960s gospel
hit “God Cares.” It is on “God Cares”
that Drake and his assemblage are at their most deeply emotional,
although fans of contemporary gospel will recommend “All Over Me” for its popular
praise and worship vibe.
Drake’s voice is handsome and
tunefully rough-edged, the musicians are tight, and Derrick Lee’s production is
solid. The project would have benefitted
from a few more classic but updated traditional tracks like “God Cares” to take
advantage of Drake’s strengths in old-school.
I applaud Everett Drake for writing a socially relevant song such as "Amen Goes Right There" because its message is sorely needed today.
Three of Five Stars
Picks: “Amen Goes Right There,” “God
Cares.”
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