Darryl HenryExhortation, Praise & Edification
Rhema Records (2012)
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.
Darryl Henry, also known as “Elder D,” does almost everything on his new release, Exhortation, Praise & Edification. The Philadelphia-based artist is the singer, songwriter, arranger, preacher, producer, and even handles much of the instrumentation. The album is also on Henry’s own Rhema Records imprint.
The album’s most musically and lyrically interesting song is “I’ve Been Meaning To.” Taking for his thematic basis Proverbs 1:24-25 , Henry offers a shouda-coulda-woulda confession why he hasn’t listened to the Lord. Recognizing that Proverbs 1:26 concludes he will be ignored for his lack of attention, Henry asks the Lord not to say “I’ve been meaning to” to him, when it comes to his needs. The vibe is ‘70s/’80s Spinners-Manhattans soft soul, with Henry lofting falsetto notes to the skies.
“One More Chance” is a musical and lyric reprise of “I’ve Been Meaning To.” The background vocalists sing out for “one more chance” while Henry prays, in the preacher’s cadence, to be a better person. It’s not the only time Henry puts on his preaching cloak. On “Wondrous Name,” he holds up the blood-stained banner in a poetic litany of how Christianity is being attacked by modern society.
Exhortation, Praise & Edification explores a mix of musical styles, including smooth jazz, keyboard-driven salsa (“Something on the Inside” and “What a Mighty God”), and praise and worship, although the overall mood is synth-dominated smooth jazz. John Williams’ saxophone, especially on “More Than A Conqueror,” adds depth. The other musicians and background vocalists provide spit-polished, professional support.
Three of Five Stars
Picks: “I’ve Been Meaning To”
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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