RICHARD SMALLWOOD with VISION

RICHARD SMALLWOOD with VISION

and Special Guests

In New York

By N. Charwin Nah

For VocalMusician.com

I, along with a few others, was asked to write a review of RICHARD SMALLWOOD with VISION’s live recording which took place on the evening of August 24 at the Hammerstein Auditorium in New York City. As honored as I was when I accepted the challenge, I was also fearful that I would not do Smallwood justice. You see, I have grown accustomed to seeing Smallwood almost every Sunday and have simply taken for granted that his musicianship would be just as it always is – unassumingly excellent.

How does one describe a concert/live recording by Richard Smallwood, Washington DC’s own renowned Gospel virtuoso? What a tough question! Tough question for while Smallwood is a quiet and unassuming gospel great, his musical style sets the standard as well as transcends all genres.

The title of this recording project is Journey. The most applicable dictionary definition of ‘journey’ is “a process or course likened to traveling; a passage.” Smallwood’s music career spans more than two decades and there is no sign of him slowing down. Unless, of course, it is to preach the Word of God as he is also an ordained minister of the very Gospel he sings. His most recent recordings have had significant titles – Adoration: Live in Atlanta, Healing: Live in Detroit, Persuaded: Live in D.C.… Now, Journey: Live in New York.

To show that Smallwood is not a man who is self-absorbed or intimidated by other artists’ success, he invited other world-renown artists to share in this recording. This list included JANICE CHANDLER ETEME, KIM BURRELL, CHAKA KHAN, The HAWKINS FAMILY, KELLY PRICE and the original SMALLWOOD SINGERS, one of whom was lauded and celebrated for being the longest member of his singing aggregation - CAROLENE HATCHETT who now sings with his newest group, VISION. Not appearing that evening were Miss ROBERTA FLACK (who was Smallwood’s 8^th grade music teacher) and Queen of Soul, Miss ARETHA FRANKLIN. However, both of them will work with Smallwood in the studio to put the finishing touches to what promises to be a product that does encompass the journey and is well worth the wait.

Now to the task at hand: The evening’s service began with a video presentation of Smallwood’s journey from a little boy whose feet barely touched the pedal of the piano, to the young man with that together afro and bell bottom pants, to the young musician honing his skills at the college choir level and now to one of the nation’s best dressed preacher-artists whose music does bring healing for the journey. This video presentation actually described a passage.

The first song performed, after the opening remarks and overture, was actually the title cut, “Journey,” on which he called on Kim Burrell to help him minister. What an awesome combination. The resounding theme on this, simply stated, is “I can make the journey with you by my side.” Of course this sounds like a love song, but this actually epitomizes the Christian’s dependence on the Almighty …to make it through all of life’s challenges.

The next song performed was “I Will Trust Him.” My God! Words cannot express how many in the audience felt delivered that very instant the words were ministered through song. As Smallwood and Vision served this soul-stirring rendition, it was evident that the journey has not been a stroll in the park.

Then, to prove what I wrote earlier about Smallwood’s music transcending all genres, he called on Janice Chandler Eteme for the song titled, “Oh Lord We Worship You.” She stood in for opera singer Kathleen Battle who cancelled due to illness. Eteme was called that very afternoon to substitute. Well, after the powerful delivery of this piece, the saints in the house wondered why Battle was even asked. But, as said in Liberia, “that is another kinjah”. Needless to say, God’s people were once again edified as He was glorified (and worshipped).

The original Smallwood Singers were called to the stage next and they rendered old favorites such as “Holy, Holy” and “Call the Lord.” It was as if they had never taken a break from singing together. They were tight and of course, once again, the saints shouted.

At this point, Smallwood left the stage for a quick change in order to join the Hawkins Family who, at first, seemed to be caught off guard. Now we will attribute their missing words as a work of "the enemy," but once they started the song the third time, they were off the chain. Tramaine sang as if redemption depended on her.

Chaka Khan - What does one say? At first it seemed as if she was a fish out of water singing something gospel (she revealed that she recently became saved and filled with the Holy Spirit) with the soulful edge, but is that not what makes gospel what it is? Because she gave God her best, He was glorified.

Last but surely not least, as far as guest performers are concerned, was Kelly Price. Slimmed-down Price took the mic and without trepidation ministered “Morning Breakthrough” as if we were all waiting for morning to come with a breakthrough and a fresh new anointing.

Well, what can I say? Vision looked great and sounded just as wonderful as they looked. With the few mishaps (hey, it was also a live recording and "the devil" was supposed to act up through technical challenges) that evening, everyone who attended came out with the consensus that while it was a little different, God’s name was glorified.

It’s like my sister Gloria said, “My only comment is again about "I Will Trust Him". Now, I'm not sure what else should be said but somehow that song took me to a different place. The rest of the evening, with the technical glitches and the appearance of the lack of preparation by some of the other artists, could NOT ruffle my feathers. It’s almost like God led Smallwood to place that song early in the program to prepare us to deal with the rest of the evening.”

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