Vicki Yohe – Free Worshipper

Vicki Yohe

Shanachie Records (released August 27, 2013)

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog

Originally from Central Illinois but now based in Louisiana, Dove and Stellar Award nominee Vicki Yohe recorded her new album, Free Worshipper, before a congregation at the multicultural FaithWorld Church in Florida, a state that has become—along with Texas—the epicenter for today’s Praise & Worship music.

Free Worshipper is a collection of better-than-average P&W songs that Yohe sings thoughtfully from the core of her musical comfort zone.  Moods change over the course of the CD:  from the high-energy opener “Every Time,” to the bold and brassy “God Can,” to the plaintive “God Loves the Broken.”  Despite shifts in tempos and coloration, Yohe maintains her earnest evangelist persona.  She is at her best rendering praise ballads, giving songs such as “God Is Good;” “I Know a Name,” the current single; and “Four Words,” a duet with FaithWorld Senior Pastor Clint Brown, the passionate warmth pop singers give Diane Warren love songs.

“God is Good” is the album’s highlight, though it is clear that the gently hypnotic “Waves of Glory” was tops with the live audience and will no doubt be the favorite of P&W fans.  Music director AyRon Lewis coordinated a band of capable musicians and background vocalists.  The use of horns and strings adds to the authenticity of the performances.

Bishop T.D. Jakes cites Vicki Yohe as “transcending all barriers,” and that is clearly the musical point of Free Worshipper.  Granted, the songs are closer musically to contemporary gospel than CCM, but enthusiasts of both will enjoy her way with a song.

NOTE: As a marathoner and disciple of healthy eating, I commend Vicki on her successful and recently publicized fitness and wellness regimen.  She looks amazing!