Anita Myles – “R U Willing?” (tbgb review)

R U Willing?
Anita Myles
YA Pro Productions 2007
www.anitamyles.com

Singer/songwriter Anita Myles has more than a touch of jazz and RnB in her voice. She brings these musical sensibilities, and COGIC influences (including work with the Edwin Hawkins Youth and Young Adult Mass Choir), to bear on R U Willing?, her debut CD.

The project, named a finalist in the 7th Annual Independent Music Awards (IMAs) for “Best Gospel Album” (as was Rev. Clay Evans), benefits greatly from the talented Bill Moss Jr. who doubles as producer and outstanding piano accompanist.

Myles wrote all but one of the songs on the ten track album (she concludes with a jazzy treatment of Lucy Smith Collier’s classic “He’s My Light”). A contemporary gospel project with urban leanings, R U Willing? is at its most musically interesting during the slower pieces, such as “Everything to Me,” “Sent From Above” and “My Prayer,” because they give Myles a chance to weave vocal depth and character into the songs. In fact, “Sent From Above” is perfect for gospel radio because it takes time to draw the listener in, as all good gospel performances do.

Throughout the CD, the instrumental accompaniment is genuine, not synthetic and overly electric, thus serving as an ideal backdrop to Myles’ passionate singing.

My particular favorite from the album is “Nothing Is Impossible.” The track addresses life’s daily struggles and setbacks, albeit with a techno intro and infectious beat that all but command you to turn up the volume. So turn up the volume and let the music make you stronger!

Two and a Half of Four Stars