CD Review: Relationship – The Eric Carrington Project

The Eric Carrington Project
Relationship
Divine Line Records/Worldwide Music Group 2005
www.ericcarrington.com

Some gospel musicians are appreciated for the quality of their voice, such as Vickie Winans or Mahalia Jackson. Others, such as Billy Preston or Arizona Dranes, are lauded for their instrumental prowess. Still other musicians are best enjoyed for the overall musicality of their recordings and performances. Eric Carrington, a.k.a. The Eric Carrington Project (T.E.C.P.), falls into the latter category. He’s one of those artists who is easy on the ears and appealing even to those who just aren’t that into gospel music.

Back after several years’ recording hiatus, in April 2005 Houston-born Carrington, a “PK,” released his fourth project, Relationship, which showcases his myriad of musical influences – including hip hop, RnB, and praise and worship – and demonstrates his comfort in weaving all of these sounds into a consistent gospel music message. At times Relationship flows with a soft groove laden with deep introspection, Carrington almost whispering the praises. “Lamb of God” is a good example of the project’s mellower, more subtle side. “Love,” the album’s other hit, also fits in this category, with its gentle melody and sing-along lyricism.

Other times the beat is heavier, as in the hit, “Worship U,” and the Latin-flavored “Reign.” Interestingly enough, the bonus mix of “Worship U” is better than the original because it expresses a more intimate, after-hours mood. It also surpasses the other remix “Worship U,” which has a techno feel and sounds like a different composition altogether. “Reign” has the most infectious beat on the album and works as gospel club or skate music.

On Relationship, the songs and arrangements feel as comfortable and current as the cotton clothes Eric wears for the CD cover photo and in performance, and fit him just as well.