Hart Ramsey – My Next Heartbeat

Hart Ramsey
My Next Heartbeat
N-Coded Music (2011)
www.hartramseymusic.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

The popularity of jazz keyboardist Hart Ramsey’s debut CD, Charge It to My Heart, surprised even the artist himself, and undoubtedly played no small role in encouraging him to release another album, the appropriately-titled My Next Heartbeat.

Pastor Ramsey’s sophomore project finds him exploring similar smooth jazz territory in company with vigorous and highly-polished, studio-quality musicians. Vocalist Robert Moe’s easy Jeffrey Osborne tenor brightens the songs he leads on the album.

The inside jacket of the CD provides “motivational notes” to describe the songs, which is especially helpful for the all-instrumental pieces. A review of these notes suggests that Pastor Ramsey and his band are out to inspire listeners to take control of their lives with God’s help.

High points on the album are the vocal selections, notably “Cover Me,” a prayer for shelter from the storm (led by the talented Daniel Johnson with assists from Ramsey); and “The Commitment,” which leaves the listener to decide whether the protagonist is a person or the Lord.

Enthusiasts of gospel jazz or smooth jazz will enjoy My Next Heartbeat for its laid-back groove and tight musicianship. Traditional gospel enthusiasts, on the other hand, will be perplexed if they have never heard gospel jazz before because, except in spirit, the music bears no resemblance whatsoever to what is generally considered gospel.

Still, Pastor Hart Ramsey’s musical ruminations make for pleasant listening, a cool soundtrack when it’s time to take your ease.

Three of Five Stars

Picks: “Cover Me,” “The Commitment.”