He Changed Me – Dr. Bobby Jones Presents Renee Spearman and Prez (JDI Records)

He Changed Me
Dr. Bobby Jones presents Renee Spearman and Prez
JDI Records 2008
www.jdirecords.com

Gospel Music Workshop of America Duo of the Year Renee Spearman and Eugene “Prez” Blackmon II enjoyed a very strong presence on the Billboard gospel album chart with their 2004 Celebrate, and are back with He Changed Me. This latest release is a one-size-fits-all project that demonstrates the musical versatility of a duo that has worked together since the mid-1990s.

On He Changed Me, Spearman and Prez present a mutual fund of sacred music varieties, running the gamut from traditional (the pulse-pounding hit single and title track) to urban inspirational (“You Could’ve Chose Someone Else”) to praise & worship (“King of Kings”). They even throw in some complex Take 6 harmonies (“Come to Jesus”), and “Good God” pleases with a bouncy, modern quartet feel. The duo smartly added the heart-tugging “Happy Mother’s Day,” a track guaranteed adds next May regardless of hit potential. Most of the songs were either written or co-written by Spearman, with at least one penned by Prez.

Many gospel projects these days offer a bouquet of styles to meet the varying tastes of today’s music-buying public, but He Changed Me goes beyond most in its variety. The musical mixture was intentional, Renee Spearman told Ambassador Jones in an interview that concludes the album. While her earlier work was rooted in traditional lyricism and a contemporary gospel sound, Renee Spearman said the duo understands that churches are not homogeneous when it comes to music. Some churches like the traditional format, others favor praise & worship, and yet other congregations prefer the contemporary sound. They wanted to create an album that had something to offer every church music ministry, regardless of emphasis.

One might question whether the musical diversity will make it hard for the duo to define their own style in a business that is keen on putting labels on artists. While the two perform admirably in all formats, they seem most comfortable on He Changed Me in traditional, at least according to the rousing “He Changed Me” and the audience’s favorable reaction to it. At the same time, their resume points firmly to expertise in the RnB flavored small group sound, which is certainly confirmed on “He Cares for Me” and is, I suspect, their true forte.

Having Ambassador Bobby Jones in your court doesn’t hurt, but Renee Spearman & Prez more than hold their own as singers. Produced by Michael Bereal and Professor James Roberson, who both know a thing or two about sacred variety.

Three of Four Stars