Vashawn Mitchell (Believe In Your Dreams) - Reviews

Vashawn Mitchell
Believe In Your Dreams

Chicago’s Vashawn Mitchell is no stranger to the Gospel industry, being a heavy contributor to the past three releases from Bishop Larry Trotter and the Sweet Holy Spirit Choir, penning hits such as "It’s Only a Test", "What’s To Come is Better Than What’s Been", and "My Worship is For Real".

Mitchell builds on that experience and submits a 17-track offering titled Believe In Your Dreams, on Tyscot Records. The recording is sweet, and features some of the year’s best music.

One listen to the opening track, "Where The Praises Are", and it’s easy to hear the signature sound that Mitchell helped to create with Bishop Trotter and Sweet Holy Spirit. While Mitchell adequately handles his lead vocal responsibilities, he allows the strength of the project to rest on his capable songwriting and arranging ability. The end result, much like contemporaries such as Kirk Franklin and Donald Lawrence, is a musically diverse and rich effort that makes an immediate impact.

This is evident with his presentation of the classic spiritual "Ain’t That Good News". The remake, arranged by Lawrence, is simply titled "Good News" and is masterfully presented. It’s easily instant vintage.

Mitchell’s diverse writing ability shines like new coin on this effort. From encouraging ballads such as "Dreams", and "Your Tears Have Paid Off" (which features Evangelist Monique Walker) to the pure funk found on tracks like "Destiny" and "Grace and Mercy" to the worship-filled "Lost In His Presence" and "All Hail the Power", Mitchell proves that he can do it all.

Vashawn Mitchell

Of course, he’s helped by enlisting an all-star team of vocalists including Malcolm Williams and Voices of Great Faith, The Swift Mob and The New Image Chorale (with whom he recorded his previous album, So Satisfied from 1998, on Manatee Records).

In addition, Mitchell is joined by a musical dream team, which includes Maurice Fitzgerald (bass), Joey Woolfalk (lead guitar), Calvin Rodgers (drums), Phillip Feaster (keyboard), Rick Robinson (keyboard), and Brian Lofton (organ). This crew lets loose and takes you straight to Sunday morning on the reprise of "Grace and Mercy" and "Chicago Bump".

Vashawn Mitchell proves that dreams indeed can come true, and makes an indelible impression on this release. Definitely a project worthy of addition to anyone’s collection.

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Producer: Vashawn Mitchell, Calvin Rogers album release date: April, 2005
Tyscot Records

— reviewed by Gerard Bonner —