“Worthy God”M. Roger Holland
From the forthcoming GIA CD Building Up the Kingdom
M. Roger Holland gives what could be just another P&W ballad a richness through a nuanced arrangement complete with strings, background vocalists, canny melodic changes, and expert use of dynamics. His voice is a mix of Luther Vandross and Peabo Bryson (two of his inspirations), especially at the song’s apex. His tenor nearly leaps out of the speakers when he holds notes and leaps into falsetto.
The musicality is not surprising. In addition to vocalist, Holland is a pianist, organist, composer, arranger, and symphony director. He was a member of New York’s All City High School Choir and the world-famous Boys Choir of Harlem. He is now Minister of Worship & Christian Arts at Calvary Baptist Church in Jamaica, NY, and consultant for the Office of Black Ministry in the Catholic Archdiocese of New York.
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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