Worthy – A’Donna B. Williams

A’Donna Bowen-Williams
Worthy
Williams Music 2008
www.adonnabwilliams.com

Worthy is an apt title for A’Donna B. Williams’ debut solo project, because it is a showcase worthy of her estimable talents. The live performance recorded for the CD took place on June 21, 2008 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, A’Donna’s home state; she grew up in Wetumpka, northeast of Montgomery, with her family, including her equally formidable singing sister, Monica Lisa Stevenson.

On Worthy, A’Donna proves herself to be a mighty church singer who can deliver “When I See Jesus” flatfooted, churning the congregation into a praise break you could see coming for miles, then wreck what’s left of the church with a radio-ready shouter such as “God Can Fix It.”

Although sibling Monica Lisa is not present on the CD, brother Olando Bowen is, and he proves to be an equally talented singer with a melodic voice and studied gospel pacing. He duets with A’Donna on “I Feel Good” and delivers a brief solo on the gospel hymn “Your Grace and Mercy,” the last and best portion of the “Worship Medley.” One can only wonder what was in the Wetumpka water to produce a family full of powerhouses. Parents Pearlie Ellis and the late George “G.G” Bowen, who were quartet singers in their day, must have had some kind of pipes themselves.

Another track worth mentioning on Worthy is “He Delivered Me.” It is a new composition written in old school style by Rayshun Walker, the album’s producer, and sizzles with ragtime runs and superb, rhythmic singing by the background vocalists.

Brisk moving and jam-packed with soul-stirring gospel singing, Worthy demonstrates why there’s nothing old-fashioned about old-fashioned…it never goes out of style.

Five of Five Stars