Micah Stampley
Release Me – EP
Music World Gospel/Interface Entertainment (2010)
http://www.musicworldentertainment.com/
Reviewed by Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.
Contemporary gospel balladeer Micah Stampley joined forces recently with Mathew Knowles’ Music World Gospel imprint. The EP Release Me is a product of the partnership and an expeditious way to introduce Stampley to gospel music enthusiasts who may not have heard him yet.
Despite the title, Stampley is not covering Englebert Humperdinck’s 1967 hit record, “Release Me” (thankfully)! Actually there are no songs named “Release Me” on this set whatsoever. What the seven-track EP does contain are two new recordings and five previously released tracks, the latter a “best of” selected from the singer’s current catalog.
The EP showcases Stampley’s ability to use his multi-octave tenor to inject several ccs of gospel into prayerful and delicate CCM melodies and arrangements. Examples include the new tracks, “Heaven on Earth,” with its flowing praise and worship feel; and the classic hymn “There is a Fountain Filled with Blood,” which is given a lush, rapturous orchestral makeover.
Stampley’s rendition of V. Michael McKay’s “Corinthian Song,” culled from Ransomed, is the project’s highlight, with top-shelf musicians such as Joey Woolfalk and Jonathan DuBose, and vocalists Rachel Bethea-James and Latrice Pace supporting the singer. “I Believe,” from A Fresh Wind, is a lovely ballad written by Micah’s wife and songwriting partner, Heidi Stampley.
Release Me concludes with a jazzy version of “Angels We Have Heard on High,” featuring fine piano and brush work on drums, and background vocalists (Stampley multi-tracked?) navigating Take 6-like jazz harmonies.
Most importantly, the songs on Release Me demonstrate the singer’s estimable vocal capabilities, which go from a whisper to a croon to bright and energetic flights high above the stave.
Four of Five Stars
Picks: “Corinthian Song,” “There Is a Fountain Filled With Blood.”
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.