James Bignon & Deliverance
Evolution: If I Hold Out My Change Will Come
Omni Global Music Network 2009
www.jamesbignon.com
The Georgia Mass Choir under James Bignon’s direction was a human wall of sound. It’s no surprise, therefore, that on his new CD, Evolution: If I Hold Out My Change Will Come, Bignon showcases the expertise of another full-throated mass choir, Deliverance Mass Choir. In fact, Deliverance’s role is so significant that to suggest this is a solo album and not a solo/choral effort would be misleading.
In other words, Bignon’s sweet spot is choral performance, and Evolution ladles out generous helpings of dynamic ensemble singing.
A reminder of Bignon’s Georgia Mass days is “Wonderful Jesus,” an energetic pew rouster featuring powerful lead singing by Lavoria Reese and a marvelous antiphonal vamp at the conclusion.
Bignon’s cover of James Cleveland and the Angelic Choir’s classic 1963 live version of “Peace Be Still” is spot-on. It is so close to the original that if the members of Bignon’s audience shouted at the same time that Cleveland’s audience members did in September 1963, one could only tell the recordings apart by their sound fidelity.
Part of the similarity has to do with Bignon’s singing voice. Like Cleveland, it is husky and intense, although Bignon is a tougher shouter than Cleveland ever was. Cleveland experienced microbursts of shouting that seemed to explode from the depths of his soul, while Bignon can shout a song from beginning to end like a veteran quartet lead.
On the other hand, Bignon’s intimate solo performance of the popular “I Surrender All” is superior to the choral version included here because the simple musical accompaniment, led by piano, gives him more space in which to improvise on the vocal line. “More of You” is another lovely and passionately delivered gospel ballad on the album.
The majority of Evolution keeps to a traditional gospel groove, but the bonus track, “He is God,” is the musical “evolution,” featuring Bignon’s sons Chris and James in a contemporary choir arrangement with enough RnB swagger and vocoder effects to satisfy younger gospel enthusiasts.
Four of Five Stars
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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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Thank you for the wonderful review. You commented on all of my favorites songs. We are excited about this new project. James Bignon really poured out his soul on this “Evolution” project. The Deliverance Mass Choir is outstanding and to see them LIVE is really a God felt experience.
Good Morning Mr. Marovich. Thank you for the incredible review of “Evolution”. It is certainly the results of the collective efforts of Deliverance and everyone involved to join the ranks of countless others in producing music that lifts God and gives hope to the people. Chris and James asked me to Thank You for them as well. They said, It was awesome reading your review about their creation. Take Care and God Bless.
Kelli and James, you are both very welcome! I wish you nothing but the best for continued success with “Evolution”…and beyond!
I enjoy ministering in song with James Bignon and Deliverance. You guys are the BEST! Keep it moving this project will take you OVER THE TOP!
Mr.Bignon’s new project, “Evolution” is his BEST YET!!!
My prayer is that this project will be gold!!!!
Thank you!!
James and Deliverance really minister on this ENTIRE CD. Yes, I have my favorite tracks, but the entire CD is nothing short of phenomenal! I don’t say this often about a new gospel project. Usually there are just one or two tracks that are “okay”, but not this one!
I have even gone the length of trying to get Praise 102.5 FM to put at least the title track in its rotation!
James, I saw you and Deliverance minister on TV 57, “the boys” are truly awsome! I see their first project coming soon! BUT…but this project is your best yet!