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 October 22, 2004 in Houston Everyone's probably heard of some artist described as one of Gospel's "best kept secrets". Micah Stampley was definitely in that category. The key word is “was.” Micah Stampley, winner of the 2004 Stellar Award Talent Search, and now signed to Dexterity Sounds/EMI Gospel, is a phenomenal vocalist and a great praise and worship leader. And he's now recorded his first album.  The people at St. Agnes Church in Houston were pumped about the live recording of this awesome psalmist on August 23, 2004. Stampley did not disappoint.Backed by a 5-piece band and eight background singers. Stampley amazed with wonderfully written songs and jaw-dropping vocal acrobats. But this was not primarily about Stampley’s vocal ability. The theme of the songs was very praise-oriented, with compositions of encouragement thrown in the mix. The recording opened up with the fabulous praise song, “He’s Great”. Then came “The Well”, written by Stampley’s wife, Heidi, which possessed a contemporary, CCM-type vibe to it, with Joey Woolfalk’s acoustic guitar was weaved throughout. “Come Spirit” was a soft worship number, and was a point where Stampley led many into the presence of God, becoming overwhelmed himself, in God's presence. This happened quite often during the recording, demonstrating that Stampley’s focus was totally on God. Micah’s pastor, Bishop Gene Moore Sr. joined him on the hand-clapping, foot-stomping song, “Redeemed”. People were enjoying themselves and Stampley laughed and showed his enthusiasm for singing with his pastor. After a brief intermission, everyone returned, this time dressed in denim and black. Then came perhaps the standout song of the evening, "War Cry.” The background singers shined, the band killed (especially Maurice Fitzgerald’s thumping bass line), and Stampley served as the General in this fight against the enemy. It was great seeing fists pumping and people very involved in this hip hop-tinged jam. They started the song over two or three times because no one wanted the song to end. Stampley preached a little and dared folks to give God praise. The place went into a frenzy and people were dancing and shouting.
The night would not have been complete if Micah Stampley had not sung “Take My Life”, the song that he sang on Bishop T.D. Jakes' He-motions album. Good as it was on the CD, he took the song to another level at the recording. There were many in attendance to support Stampley, including Israel Houghton, Kurt Carr, Gary Mayes, Gene Moore Jr., Marcus Dawson (president of Dexterity Sounds), Ken Pennell (head exec. of EMI Gospel), Timothy Britton and a busload of Stampley's friends and family from Louisiana. This was an incredible recording. Micah Stampley outdid himself, and remember, this is only his solo debut! Cedric Thompson made a mark as producer and arranger. The album, to be titled The Songbook of Micah, is slated to release in March, 2005, and seems destined to make waves in all markets that it touches. Email This Article To A Friend
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