Introducing DeWayne Woods and When Singers Meet - Reviews

Introducing DeWayne Woods and
When Singers Meet

"I always knew I wanted to do a solo project, but I've learned in ministry that you have to grow. I definitely had a season of doing a lot of background work, and I still have a passion for being a background vocalist. But I know this is the right season for this project."

—DeWayne Woods

DeWayne Woods makes his solo debut with an impressive —a very impressive affair. After several seasons of supporting other artists, either in the choir or as a background vocalist, Introducing DeWayne Woods and When Singers Meet is the artist up front.

Backed by his rich vocal crew and a posse of accomplished producers and songwriters, Woods

tackles a variety of musical styles on this 12-song set, his smooth tenor leading the way on each cut. The album, on Verity Records, is the first additional artist on Donald Lawrence's new imprint, QuietWater Entertainment.

Starting things off is "Let Go", a sparkling song written and produced by PJ Morton, that Woods uses to declare the importance of turning everything over to God in prayer, knowing that He supplies all our needs. Great lyricism and an infectious melody mark this mid-tempo gem, which also gets a boost from resonant and increasingly complex choir harmonies.

"Strong Tower", written by Levi "II" King, Jr. and produced by Aaron Lindsey, is based on Proverbs 18:10: "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run in and are safe." Powerful keyboard and organ lines weave underneath When Singers Meet' patterned chorus and Woods' remarkably wide-ranging lead vocal. The song explodes into a brilliantly dynamic ending.

Introducing DeWayne Woods and When Singers Meet

Click on this image for your audio-digital Flash card experience

Got Flash? Turn up your computer audio and check out the latest in our series of audio-digital animated Flash cards. Click on the above image to experience the CD.

You need Flash 6 software to see the Flash card. If your computer does not have it installed, get the free download by clicking on the adjacent Flash icon.

For a downloadable version of the e-card, click here (save EXE file, then open EXE file).

Woods prefaces "God Still Heals" with his spoken personal testimony of being healed by God from being HIV positive. Lawrence produces on this slowed down, reflective, and intensely personal ballad.

Myron Butler produces "Sunshine", with Candy West featured as Woods' duet partner. A bright instrumental arrangement fits the theme of the song's upbeat and inspirational message.

Other highlights in a disc filled with them, are the two contributions from Jonathan Nelson. "You Mean The World To Me" and "I Lift My Hands" are both praise and worship in style, and simmer with intensity in their vertical communion.

The closing number, "God Is", comes from the pen of Calvin Bernard Rhone, and features The Tri-City Singers in one of their final contributions as their days of existence counts down. Rhymthically and lyrically emphatic, the over eight minute long song serves as an exclamation point to an auspicious debut.

On hearing this project, it is clear that DeWayne Woods and When Singers Meet no longer need any introduction.

Email This To A Friend

Production: Various album release date: October 24, 2006
QuietWater Entertainment / Verity Records

— reviewed by Stan North —