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  I Speak Life  Wonder no more, for I Speak Life is Lawrence re-invented. With his fabulous Tri-City Singers now in retirement and the veteran artist having moved his base to the Windy City, he introduces QuietWater Entertainment, an imprint that he has brought with him into the Verity Records family.On his label debut, Lawrence takes on the mammoth breadth and width of Gospel music, dividing his 14-song production yield into four categories: Contemporary Gospel, Inspirational, Prophetic and Praise & Worship. Gracing them all is a wealth of guest artists that would make any label blush. "Healed" is the rousing opening cut, a song penned by rising Baltimore artist Jonathan Nelson (see album review). With the album's unifying and Chicago-contigent musician and vocal crew out front, Lawrence injects his encouragement over a brassy blare, testifying that even in the midst of difficult circumstances, we are healed by Jesus Christ's stripes.
"I Speak Life", the title track, begins very softly, but soon moves upward in intensity as Pastor Donnie McClurkin comes in to shift the song into second, and then third gear. The Gospel sound is enhanced by Darin Atwater's string arrangement, with The Chicago Symphony Orchestra in support (also conducted by Atwater —read interview). "Lamb" is a song that Donald Lawrence fans will be glad is finally recorded. A fragile praise and worship melody that mirrors the powerful implication of Christ's sacrifice for us, it is set in the tradition of storytellers gone before. Lawrence begins with a tale that puts the song to follow in context. Piano here is by none other than Richard Smallwood, with featured strings and arrangement from Atwater. With obvious chemistry, Pastor Hezekiah Walker and Lawrence join together on "You Covered Me". It's an easy head-bobber that seemingly intentionally captures the defiance that comes with a security in knowing God's got your back. In tribute to Andrae Crouch, Lawrence revives his 1985 classic "Right Now" with sassy lead by Blanche McAllister. Vanessa Bell Armstrong is strong on "Miracles", showing again why she's one of Gospel's treasures on this remake from Tri-City's very first album.  On "Don't Forget To Remember", the smokie vocals of Lalah Hathaway are, without effort, atmosphere-controlling. Appearing together with jazz great Ramsey Lewis (on piano), Hathaway expresses reminds us to remember where our blessings come from.There's more to come from QuietWater Entertainment and Donald Lawrence. and some of that can be sampled on "Better", which serves as intro to Lawrence's new group, The Murrills. With Tommy Sims assisting on production, and with DJ Rogers in on the vocal mix, it's a soul-laden wonder. Michael Thompson's guitar aptly frames Faith Evans' vocal on "Say a Prayer". Atwater wields his hand here as well, with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra setting the ballad in motion. The epic "Beautiful Feet" passionately conveys the great burden that comes with ministering the Gospel. It is an encourager and reminder of "why we came", and why the collective carriers of the Word do what we do. It kind of simply says "I understand" without ever using those words. Lawrence is in his element on I Speak Life, orchestrating a buffet of vocal riches, served by some of music's finest artists.
Email This To A Friend QuietWater Entertainment, Verity Records — reviewed by Stan North —
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