Vincent Tharpe and Kenosis
Live in Memphis
One Voice Media
www.facebook.com/pages/Vincent-Tharpe-and-Kenosis/137387076492
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.
Memphis-based Vincent Tharpe and Kenosis was formed from a high school gospel choir and brings that same youthful spunk to its current iteration as a P&W choir-ensemble.
On Live in Memphis, the group’s ministry runs on high-octane, offering healthy doses of optimism, thanksgiving, encouragement and prayers for heavenly guidance on living like Jesus lived. As is the case with many P&W groups, the musical ambience Kenosis creates – heavy bass, rhythm and full-throated singing – is as significant as the message. In other words, while the lyrics are uncomplicated, the melody and arrangements are anything but.
Tharpe’s high, pleading lead tenor is not unlike that of VaShawn Mitchell and Todd Dulaney. He wrote or co-wrote the material for the album and, in an industry bursting at the seams with male-led ensembles, songwriting is what distinguishes the best of the best. While most of Tharpe’s uptempo songs are conventional, two inspirational ballads, “Close to You” and “He Will,” are better indicators of his capabilities as a songwriter. “He Will” is a song of encouragement during troubled times on which Tharpe duets with award-winning gospel vocalist Benita Washington. “Close to You” is a slightly rhythmic outing with lyrics about developing an intimacy with Jesus.
“He Keeps Blessing” is a double-time handclapper that in many respects would have served as a wonderful opening track because it is different and at the same time demonstrates the group’s boiling-over enthusiasm. “Thank You Lord,” the group’s single and the song they performed recently on the Bobby Jones Gospel television program, is a praise piece with a chugging, spirited rhythm and Kenosis at full vocal throttle.
Vincent Tharpe and Kenosis’ Live in Memphis will be especially welcomed by fans of Youthful Praise, VaShawn Mitchell, James Fortune and other new generation worshippers.
Three of Five Stars
Picks: “He Will,” Thank You Lord.”
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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.
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I had to reread your analysis twice. Somehow I agree with you as Tharpe’s writing skills are there and will be sharpened as the industry puts their arms around him. He is anointed and very gifted in his writing, you can really tell that on He Will. We will see him in the future and continue to purchase his music. Thank You Lord was a really good song. Teach Me is a nice song also.