JGM Pick of the Week: April 25, 2017

“He’s the One”
Monica Lisa Stevenson feat. Pastor Walter E. Ellis
From the album Kainos (The Acoustic Documentary)
Puretonez Production/eOne Distribution (release date: September 2016)
www.monicalisastevenson.com

By Bob Marovich

Those who appreciate the fiery traditional singing of Monica Lisa Stevenson, the proverbial fifth Caravan, will be slightly taken aback by her softer, gentler, and overall acoustic approach to “He’s the One.”

I say slightly taken aback because “Try Jesus (He’s the One)” is not a new song: MLS’s father and uncles, who had formed a quartet, sang it on their programs. It’s a traditional song.  Only the smooth arrangement and mind-mannered vocals of MLS are different.

But for all that, Pastor Walter E. Ellis turns up the heat a little and the treatment has a Williams Brothers coolness as the duo reminds listeners that no matter what the situation, Jesus is the one to turn to for help. I still prefer MLS the powerhouse who can sing the benches loose from the floor, but this works.