VOW – Somebody Somewhere (tbgb review)

VOW is a traditional choir with a 21st Century name and 21st Century panache.

The choir’s first project for Professor James Roberson’s JDI Records of Los Angeles (label home of DeNetria Champ and Beverly Crawford) is a real gem. First of all, VOW sounds every bit like a mass choir in spirit, drive and volume. Secondly, two of its female lead vocalists, LaToya Williams and Cynthia Holly, could easily do solo projects, if they haven’t already. Williams leads the timeless title track, and it’s the tear in her voice that makes the composition breathtaking from the opening seconds through the extended ending. Holly’s bluesy moaning on “Thank You Lord” and her frenetic vocals on the up-tempo hand-clapper “Trouble Don’t Last Always,” penned by Rev. James Moore, also deserve praise. Incidentally, “Trouble Don’t Last Always” is another track with radio potential.

Two other fascinating cuts are a funky reworking of the classic congregational song “Power in the Blood,” and Rev. Quincy Fielding’s moving “God Is So Good to Me,” the latter given an expert reading by lead vocalist Rev. William David Lowe.

Popular gospel saxophonist Donald Hayes closes the curtain on Somebody Somewhere with a lovely instrumental version of “Amazing Grace,” after which Hayes and the choir riff on a combination of the old John Newton classic with Luther Vandross’ hit “So Amazing.” It works, believe it or not, which leaves the listener wondering whether the late velvet teddy bear had the hymn in mind when writing the song that defined his own musical legacy.

Despite the regal conclusion, Somebody Somewhere is not a very long album and could have benefited from a few more songs by the choir. I hope that VOW’s follow-up project – and I certainly look forward to one – will include more songs in the spirit of the title track and “Trouble Don’t Last Always,” as well as photos of the group and more information about them in the liner notes. Regardless, Somebody Somewhere is an auspicious JDI Records debut by a group that will please traditional and contemporary enthusiasts.

Three of Four Stars