Jay McGee
Testimony!!
Beacon Records (2012)

www.cdbaby.com/cd/jaymcgee4

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
North Carolina’s Jay McGee was inspired to sing after hearing quartet stars such as Sam Cooke, Lou Rawls, Johnnie Taylor and Archie Brownlee.  As his fourth and latest album, Testimony!!, and especially the opening track, “Stand Up!” demonstrate, the residue of Cooke and Taylor remain on McGee’s vocal cords.
McGee’s enthusiasm for quartet singing is also evident in the plain-speak lyrics and simple melodies, such as “Things I Used to Do” and “It’s Gon’ Rain,” where the arrangement cries out for female background vocalists.  On “Temple of God,” McGee warns the listener about the perils of spousal abuse, smoking, drinking, and—perhaps for the first time in gospel—workaholism.   
For “Filled My Heart With Love,” “New Day,” and an arrangement of “Jesus Loves Me,” McGee supplies soft chord changes that give the songs a northern soul vibe.  This is McGee’s sweet spot and where his pop balladeer chops are put to best use.  Put a brass section behind him, and you’d think Carl Davis was the music director.  In fact, I’d love to hear McGee with a brass section and smooth-as-silk background vocalists instead of just the ubiquitous electric keyboard.
Another of McGee’s techniques, one that jam bands use in their genre, is to extend the chorus/hook until the listener cannot help but sing along.  It is an effective technique.  “Temple of God,” “God Has Been Good” and “It’s Gon’ Rain” are all examples of stretching the chorus.
Jay McGee has a smooth voice that is enjoyable to listen to, and I hope his next CD includes a team of musicians backing him.
Three of Five Stars
Pick: “Filled My Heart With Love.”

2 Comments

  1. Reigne April 28, 2023 at 3:19 am - Reply

    How can I get the lyrics to Temple of God? I know most of the song but there are a few words I can’t understand. Thank you.

    • Bob Marovich April 28, 2023 at 10:49 am - Reply

      Hello, Reigne – I reached out to Mr. McGee to respond to you directly regarding your question.

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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.