It seems that Fort Wayne native Diana
Bush-Harris has been making quite a national
splash lately with her debut album, By My
God, which features a broad assortment of
contemporary styles firmly grounded in the gospel
tradition. Shes also the founder and president
of independent label Judah Praise Recordings and
is designing an inspirational clothing line. But
since I dont write fashion reviews Ill leave
that to another writer.
The title track is a punchy, upbeat song of
surrender with loads of encouraging lyrics. The
biggest surprise for this jaded reviewer was that
this lead vocalist actually practices humility by
(gasp) sharing the vocals, not only in By My
God, where she sings with her brother Gary Bush,
but also in the hybrid Righteous Rap, where
Carmen Hicks raps over a lush bed of gospel
chorus, and my personal album favorite, He Made
Me Righteous, which features vocals by Suezette
Phillips and Anitra Allen plus a mid-section of
old-time revival music that is augmented by
unusual, squishy synth sounds that culminate in a
frenzied, heartfelt jam session. The
contemporary, yet jazzy Its A Pleasure To Say
Yes showcases Bush-Harris deep, sultry voice as
she sings about the realization that Christ is
much more than adhering to a strict list of dos
and donts. More upbeat jazz is on hand for The
Way You Love Me, which manages to incorporate a
classic gospel sound with soulful background
vocals, groaning organs, thick synth bass and
chirpy electric pianos. He Gave and If I are
both slower ballads in the midst of these
energetic songs, and each strip away the
distractions to let Diana clearly and skillfully
sing praise to her God.
Each song packs a little something special to
keep the ear alive, showing her mature
songwriting skills and the expert level of
attention provided by Tempel Recording Studios.
While most of the album features live drums
nestled in a sea of synthesizers, Above All
Gods has a very real guitar playing a very
reflective solo. Praise Be To God incorporates
an African vibe to its big worship sound of
call-and-response gospel background vocals, and
Praise Is A Pavillion adds just a pinch of the
blues to the whirling organs to make for a very
pleasing listen. The album ends with Worship
Medley which manages to capture an invigorating,
live, open feel as Bush-Harris and her band lead
their way through three songs of praise.
To hear this varied and inspired album for
yourself, visit www.dbharrisministries.net or
CDbaby.com. Or if you feel like being around real
people, visit the Anchor Room or stop by the
Summit City Worship Center and ask for By My
God by Diana Bush-Harris.