Is there anything the multi-gifted John Stoddart can’t do? No, there’s not, at least not judging from his solo project, Wings To Walk This Road.

His major label debut on Reprise Records is simply crammed with memorable melodies that flow from the seasoned musician’s pen. The project is also a testament to the Stoddart’s vocal dexterity with his fluid, warm, resonant pipes, and demonstrates his finesse on the keyboard, several other instruments as well as with arrangements and production.

Stoddart has been around for years, predominantly playing a strong supporting role for artists as diverse as Norman Brown, Celine Dion, William Becton, Al Jarreau, Boney James, Tina Moore and Kirk Whalum.

The vibe of his own project is straight up urban warmth. Stoddart pours his heart into both originals and covers, making everything his own by virtue of his impeccable style. From originals to covers of soul hits from yesterday, it all rings true, as Stoddart chooses to deliver his message with lyrics that imply the message, rather than push it.

Among several gems is “Falling For You”, jointly written with DC area’s Nolan Williams Jr., a groovy jam with a touch of funk. Based on Psalm 63 and Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son, the song references God’s unfathomable love for us.

There’s also the all-John-Stoddart rendered “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”, a short acappella, stacked-vocals version of the spiritual that he deftly uses to set up the intricately-rendered “Fly Away”, a song/poem that uses the chariot metaphor, and extends it to wings and flight. Stoddart tells how newness of life in Jesus Christ opens the door for us to experience the way we were created to live our lives.

Stoddart revisits old school classic soul, covering the sixties hit, “Ooh Child”. Organ from Ricky Peterson and excellence from the percussionist’s percussionist, Paulinho Da Costa, makes this one fresh.

Other highlights are “Come To Me”, which brings in Luis Conte on percussion and like-minded musical stylist Jonathan Butler (see album review) on acoustic guitar, and the gentle “Have You Ever Been Lonely”, co-written by Joey Kibble.

Labelmate and frequent collaborator Kirk Whalum steps up with his saxophone on “No Greater Love”, as Stoddart joins him instrumentally with fine Rhodes work, and fills the cut with vocals all about God’s greatest Gift.

Proving that urban and soul don’t necessarily have to be all about the beats, John Stoddart offers an invitation to a musical feast of riches.