David G. Evans – Pure Love

David G. Evans
Pure Love
Abundant Harvest Entertainment 2009
www.davidgevans.com

Bishop David G. Evans is a multi-media minister, Prelate of the Abundant Harvest Fellowship of Churches, Pastor of the 27,000-member Bethany Baptist Church in New Jersey, author, recording artist and CEO of David G. Evans Ministries. He presents a various artists compilation called Pure Love, advertised as the “First Romance CD for Christians.”

Pure Love is indeed a full-length paean to amor in its physical, intellectual and spiritual manifestations, and has the imprimatur of Universal Music Christian Group behind it. Evans brings together gospel, urban, Christian and country singers for what is essentially a “quiet storm” session that blurs the distinctions between the various music genres. Similarly, the mix of songs suggests that regardless of the object of affection – a person or deity – a love song is a love song is a love song.

Songs falling squarely in the gospel or inspirational classification include “Change Me,” “Good Thing,” and “You’ll Never Thirst,” the latter based on the Woman at the Well story and a contemporary gospel hit for the group Anointed several years ago.

The artists are not your typical A-listers but they do an impressive job. Bishop Johnnie Vaughan and multi-media minister Karen Orlando are especially effective at rendering a ballad. Chris Smith tears it up on “Own My Heart.” Nashville songwriters Kim, Jimmy and Bill Nash deliver a true weeper in “I’ll Still Want You,” a moving song in the Collin Raye tradition about when love means forever.

Only the brief “Honeymoon” seemed out of place on an otherwise relaxing set, simply because I wasn’t sure whether the deep-voiced narrator’s slightly salacious lines were meant to be comic relief or serious.

Couples seeking Christian/gospel wedding songs, or just taking it easy together, will enjoy exploring Pure Love.

Four of Five Stars

gPod Picks: “Change Me.”