Ken Hardeo – I Honor You

Ken Hardeo
I Honor You
BGH Music 2008
www.kenhardeo.com

Glancing at the front cover of Ken Hardeo’s debut CD I Honor You, you might think that Ken is the main vocalist. In fact, with the exception of one track on which Ken solos, the project is an assemblage of the songwriter’s compositions and arrangements delivered by a team of talented lead vocalists and background singers.

One of the vocalists, Ametrius Davis, contributes especially riveting performances. Serving also as the album’s vocal coach, Davis soars on “Everybody Sing Praises” and “You’ve Been My Strength.” “Everybody Sing Praises” is one of many cuts on I Honor You that is accompanied by hard hitting percussion and searing guitar work, under the music direction of Quentin Bethea.

The title track, rendered skillfully by leads Karmin Cyr and Kevin Toney, builds in intensity and volume as it progresses toward the conclusion. “You’re the Reason” adds spice to the project with its hot electro-Latin vibe and tight staccato attacks of percussion and vocals.

Hardeo, born and raised in Guyana but now based in Charlotte, NC, specializes in contemporary praise and worship and gospel songs that are eminently learnable by groups and choirs. His portfolio is represented well on I Honor You, courtesy of engineers Paul Whitley and Michael Tomblin. The duo’s crystal clear production of the jazz-gospel-rock fusion makes for an enjoyable listen.

The project would have benefited from a front cover photo of the group surrounding Hardeo, so those who browse through CDs in a music store or on the Internet would have a better understanding of what to expect inside the jewel case. Nevertheless, I Honor You is a fine introduction to a more-than-capable songwriter.

Four of Five Stars

gPod Picks: “Everybody Sing Praises,” “You’ve Been My Strength”