ShadrachGrace Instead
Crooked Thumbs Music (2013)
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
That axiom fits Shadrach. He is the youngest son of prodigious gospel recording artists Rev. Cleophus and Bertha Robinson. On Grace Instead, Shadrach tends the family business for a new generation.
Although there is more than a trace of traditional gospel in his vocals—he can sing hard when hard singing is most effective—Shadrach paints a different musical portrait than his famous parents. Whereas the Robinsons were 100 percent traditional, Shadrach’s is a modern-day palette, evocative of ‘80s R&B channeled through the Winans and the Hailey Brothers.
Indeed, in the liner notes, Shadrach credits artists such as Prince, Stevie Wonder, and the Gap Band among his music influences. The Stevie Wonder influence can be heard most prominently in Shadrach’s vocal embellishments on the smooth jazzy “Why,” “Had It Not Been For Him,” and the title track.
Indeed, in the liner notes, Shadrach credits artists such as Prince, Stevie Wonder, and the Gap Band among his music influences. The Stevie Wonder influence can be heard most prominently in Shadrach’s vocal embellishments on the smooth jazzy “Why,” “Had It Not Been For Him,” and the title track.
Shadrach wrote the songs, most of which deal with the conventional gospel subjects of hope, encouragement, and personal faith, though here, too, the artist leans on his traditional raising to pen lyrics with more substance than simplicity. He also plays all the instruments on the album (keys, mostly), though nephew Cleophus Robinson III sits in on drums and Chris “Butch” Woodie accompanies on organ for a couple of tracks. The background vocalists provide superb backing throughout.
Grace Instead’s shining moment is the Shadrach and Jaqui Melton duet on “Living Without You,” a contemporary-flavored contemplation of what life would be like without Jesus (i.e., it would be nothing). Melton’s captivating voice blends perfectly with Shadrach’s smooth Chris Isley-esque delivery. The two should consider an entire album of duets in the future.
Three of Five Stars
Pick: “Living Without You.”
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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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Grace Instead lifts me each time I listen, and that’s practically daily. Each time I listen, I hear something inspirational that I missed before. I agree that “Living Without You” is magnificent. My second favorite on the album changes all the time. This young man is truly gifted, soulful, down to earth, and real in his work for the Lord.