Kim Person
Speak Life
KLP Enterprises, LLC (2010)
http://www.kimperson.org/
Kim Person is a gospel singer from North Carolina, and she possesses that distinctive amalgam of singer, performer, evangelist, witness, prophet, encourager and comforter that talented female gospel singers have. All of these traits, of course, are best exercised – and best witnessed – in live performance. Person’s new live project, Speak Life, demonstrates that ably.
The first half of the program is high energy, high volume and fourth-gear rhythmic power as Person gives full voice to praise and worship anthems such as “Forever” and the riveting current single, “More than Enough,” one motif of which sounds like quintessentially cool theme music for a news program. Person receives continuously solid backing — more like a musical partnership — from a vocally intense group of background vocalists, which include Colandra McDowell, Dennis Reed and G.A.P.
The mood turns more intimate during the second half. The title track is a lovely ballad about speaking your hopes and dreams into the atmosphere so they can ultimately become your destiny. On “Just That Good,” a gospel waltz, Person and Company size up God’s goodness by suggesting that “if you had been through what I’ve been through this year, you’d be shouting.” The song’s simple and well-articulated message, slow-building dynamics, and explosion of vocal sound at the end, including Person’s Lucinda Moore-like soaring high notes, are all components of a decent radio single.
The album’s magnum opus, however, is “Sincerely Yours.” It is a beautiful contemporary gospel song written by Frank Morrison-Henderson. Person recorded it originally in 2006, and bestows upon it here in live performance all of the fullness and emotional intensity the composition deserves.
Speak Life is produced by Grammy Award-winning and Stellar and Dove-nominated Cedric Thompson. His adroit hand is evident throughout the crystal-clear recording, too, which is also available on DVD.
Four of Five Stars
gPod Picks: “Just That Good,” “Sincerely Yours.”
Reviewed by Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.
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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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Awesome review! Kim Person is the TRUTH! I love her music. I especially love the track More Than Enough. That’s my jam!
My name is Eric M. Grimesland, NC: When I first listened to “Speak Life”, I was SO blown away because of how well-put it was! Also, wondering why our local radio stations were not wearing it out! I admit that I have hundreds of cds, and only 10% are females (mostly choirs). I listened to this cd almost 3 straight times before I absolutely had to leave home! Her voice is stellar and comprable with the current headliners. The BGVs are great as well.
But the one thing that most amazed me; the vital relevant messages in the music. That’s where “Speak Life” stands apart from your avg debut cd. On top of it all, Kim Person is real Woman of God with a real message and a real sincere desire to encourage the people of GOD! I give her 5 STARS!!!
My name is Eric M. Grimesland, NC: When I first listened to “Speak Life”, I was SO blown away because of how well-put it was! Also, wondering why our local radio stations were not wearing it out! I admit that I have hundreds of cds, and only 10% are females (mostly choirs). I listened to this cd almost 3 straight times before I absolutely had to leave home! Her voice is stellar and comprable with the current headliners. The BGVs are great as well.
But the one thing that most amazed me; the vital relevant messages in the music. That’s where “Speak Life” stands apart from your avg debut cd. On top of it all, Kim Person is real Woman of God with a real message and a real sincere desire to encourage the people of GOD! I give her 5 STARS!!!
Awesome!! It’s coming!!