So last week I was happy to share some good memories about the impact of the beautiful voice of Deniece Williams. We have it on my word that she’s worth being considered as a gospel artist (as if that’s important).
While reminiscing about My Soul Desires and pondering on the lyrical content I was reminded about another song on that album as done in duet between Deniece and Sandi Patty. I only just joined up the dots that this is the same Sandi that I’ve recently acknowledged as a superb singer. Brilliant song this and for someone who could be on either side of the ‘secular/gospel’ divide, Deniece is very cute and astute to lay it on the line as to where she belongs. (That’s to Christ, not any silly genre divide.)
Sandi’s part in this version of the song is excellent, which of course is what you come to expect from someone of her gifting but that’s no less reason to celebrate it. I really love this duet and the unashamed proclamation that regardless of what ‘they say’ the reality of the change Jesus has made in life is worth talking about.
So there I was regaling in the beautiful tones of Sandi and Deniece when I noticed that ‘Niecy’ also did the song three years earlier with none other than Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind and Fire fame. Now I was aware that Bailey was a professing Christian, but only associated him to Reasons and Fantasy. I could dredge some issues about the spiritual ambiguity of EWF compared to orthodox Christianity, but what I’d prefer to do is celebrate Phil’s statement here. Good on him. I heard he also put a gospel album together himself which sunk without trace, but again it’s great that ‘Niecy’ and Phil have no qualms about putting their faith where their mouth is.
Enjoy two for the blog of one.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd
Life With CD 