Noe’ FelizFavor of God
New Way Songs (2012)
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
From Rutgers University, where his formation as a worship leader began, to 2013 Rhythm of Gospel Awardee for Urban Contemporary Male Vocalist, Noe’ Feliz has honed a personal approach to P&W.
This approach, displayed on his album, Favor of God, combines straightforward worship lyrics with the rich melodicism of Latin music and the rhythmic drive of inspirational urban AC.
Overdubbed harmonies that navigate atypical chord changes–another characteristic of Feliz’s style–can be heard on tracks such as “In All Our Ways” and the Spanish language “Tengo Tu Amor” (“I Have Your Love”). Meanwhile, spicy Latin brass (real brass, thank you, Jesus!) and congas accompany “El Cielo.”
The title track, a meditation on unmerited favor, is the most explicit example of Feliz’s blend of Latin melody and R&B rhythm, though the infectious “El Cielo” is the track that suggests Feliz ought to do an entire album of Latin-flavored Christian songs. The album’s most memorable track, a song of discipleship called “Take All of Me,” has a distinctive Winans feel, from its funky swing to Feliz’s meaty vocal coloration that evokes Marvin Winans.
The title track, a meditation on unmerited favor, is the most explicit example of Feliz’s blend of Latin melody and R&B rhythm, though the infectious “El Cielo” is the track that suggests Feliz ought to do an entire album of Latin-flavored Christian songs. The album’s most memorable track, a song of discipleship called “Take All of Me,” has a distinctive Winans feel, from its funky swing to Feliz’s meaty vocal coloration that evokes Marvin Winans.
“More Each Day,” given a bilingual reading, is a VaShawn Mitchell-style praise ballad that smartly interpolates a line of “I Need Thee Every Hour” in the vamp. Female background vocalists replace the overdubbed harmonies on “Holy Place,” a P&W song tailor-made for Sunday worship.
Feliz possesses a lovely tenor that would be even clearer and more chilling than the winter air if he sang more from his diaphragm to ease the strain and tension on his throat, which at times makes his voice sound fatigued. Nevertheless, Favor of God is a pleasant listen, equally soothing and invigorating.
Noe’ Feliz is Praise and Worship Leader at Light of the World Family Worship Church in Hamilton, New Jersey, under the leadership of Rev. Leo Sherard.
Three of Five Stars
Picks: “Take All of Me,” “Tengo Tu Amor.”
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.
Visit Today : 998
This Month : 34005