Various Artists – Most Powerful Voices Vol. 1

Various Artists
Most Powerful Voices Vol. 1
Music World Gospel 2011
http://www.musicworldgospel.com/

In the mid-1930s, Professor Thomas A. Dorsey referred to his newly-minted gospel songs as “heart songs.”

So what better way to promote a healthy heart than singing heart songs?

To educate people about stroke, the American Heart Association, in collaboration with Music World Gospel and GMC (Gospel Music Channel), did just that. They organized “The Most Powerful Voices Gospel Music Competition” in 2010. The winners from a group of 20 finalists selected by a panel of judges were chosen by the public on Valentines Day, 2011.

The two winning groups were Daniel Mitchell and Hillel (Gainesville, FL), and Brandon Camphor & One Way (Upper Marlboro, MD). Among a treasure trove of prizes, both ensembles received professional vocal coaching from gospel artist Brian Courtney Wilson and inclusion on the Most Powerful Voices Vol. 1 various artists compilation CD, released May 17, 2011.

Naturally, the winners put heart (and soul) into their respective tracks. Daniel Mitchell and Hillel are energetic and vocally acrobatic on “Great Things,” while Brandon Camphor and One Way are hard charging on their ode to the power of believing, “It’s Possible (Gotta Have Faith).”

The compilation also features previously released hits by gospel artists who supported the project, many from the Music World Gospel roster. Previously released recordings include Myron Butler & Levi’s polyrhythmic “Set Me Free;” Trin-i-tee 5:7’s nod to traditional, “I’m Still Holdin’ On;” Brian Courtney Wilson’s marvelous monster hit, “All I Need;” and Pentecostal-style shouting courtesy of Vanessa Bell Armstrong on “It’s Over Now.”

Juanita Bynum concludes the project with the recitation of her “Soul Cry,” though I would have preferred hearing her more affecting musical version. Nevertheless, Most Powerful Voices Vol. 1 is an enjoyable retrospective of gospel’s more recent hits and an introduction to two fine, fresh-faced ensembles.

Take this to heart: a portion of the proceeds of the CD benefits the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s “Power to End Stroke” campaign.

Four of Five Stars