“I Found a Friend”
Major Choirboy
Gospel Management Group 2007
www.choirboyonline.com
Trained at the world-class Berklee School of Music, Major Choirboy asserts that he wants to establish “a new brand of sophisticated gospel music.” If so, “I Found a Friend” is an excellent start, because it’s anchored in cool combo jazz, not generic-sounding smooth jazz.
Major Choirboy’s pleasant, resonant voice is supported by a female vocal trio called the Angels and a warm but complex acoustic piano-led jazz combo, which brings Vince Guaraldi to mind. As the vocals build with gospel intensity, the accompaniment (especially piano and drums) delivers a fireworks display of free form jazz riffs.
Choirboy is in good stead, having shared the stage with the likes of John P. Kee, Israel Houghton, Aretha Franklin, and Chaka Khan, and having tapped the expert services of Benita Bellamy for promotion. He could become the Donny Hathaway of gospel.
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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