Todd Dulaney – Pulling Me Through

Todd Dulaney

Goldstreet Gospel (2010)

www.goldstreetgospel.com

As a background vocalist for Smokie Norful, former professional baseball player Todd Dulaney studied the Stellar Award-winning singer’s melismatic runs and adopted some as his own, all the while maintaining a smooth, crooning style distinct from his mentor.

Dulaney puts it to the test on his debut CD, Pulling Me Through, for the new Goldstreet Gospel label. 

Dulaney is among a new generation of sacred songsters who set praise and worship lyrics to CCM melodies and arrangements, and voice them with gospel runs, blue notes and strong emotional expression.  Call it contemporary, call it P&W — you know it when you hear it.

The title track, and current single, of Dulaney’s debut project is emblematic of this style and of the album.  “Pulling Me Through” is a song of thanksgiving sung with a pop sensibility.  Possessing a theme and style similar to “Pulling Me Through” is “Wouldn’t Trade,” an energetic track with potential to cross over onto the Christian Song chart.  “I’ll Keep Praying” reminds me of V. Michael McKay’s “Corinthian Song” in its simple, anthemic eloquence.

Some tracks, such as “Te Amo,” include swatches of techno, auto tune and other hip augmentations to accentuate the project’s youthfulness, and although they are compelling, Dulaney’s voice alone is sufficient.

To this point: the finest moment on Pulling Me Through comes at the conclusion, on the hypnotic and meditative “My Everything.”  Here the handsomeness of Dulaney’s tenor is given free rein to explore its range unfettered by rhythm and heavy instrumentation.  It is a gorgeous selection and the most illustrative of Dulaney’s capabilities.

Picks: “Pulling Me Through,” “Wouldn’t Trade,” “My Everything.”