Search - Amick Byram :: Encounter

Reviewed by The Religion Network

Lisa Bowman | Los Angeles, CA | 11/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amick Byram is an accomplished recording artist and actor whose voice is perhaps more familiar than his face, handsome though it may be. A veteran of hundreds of commercials, Broadway cast albums and movie soundtracks, one of Byram's more notable film credits is singing the role of (actor Val Kilmer's) Moses in Dreamworks' animated film, "The Prince of Egypt." Some of his many other voice over film credits include "Shrek," "Aladdin," "Beauty and the Beast," "Mulan" and "The Matrix."



On the stage, Byram's slew of high-end musical theatre appearances includes Broadway productions of "Phantom of the Opera" and "Les Miserables," as well as starring opposite Glenn Close in "Sunset Boulevard." Finally, Trekkers undoubtedly will recognize him as Ian Troi, father of Counselor Troi on television's "Star Trek, The Next Generation."



All of which is to say that this wealth of experience and expertise soaks through every cut on Amick Byram's CD, "Encounter." Byram has been blessed with a world-class vocal instrument. He has taken that gift, layered it with a technical control that's set in cement, and proceeded to share it with abandon.



"Encounter" explores seminal moments in the lives of selected Biblical characters: John the Baptist, Abraham, Joseph of Arimathaea, King David, Barabbas and ultimately, Jesus. The CD has a lush, big sound. While there are moments of intimacy, the impetus of its depth stems from open emotion, be it plaintive or powerful. Byram finds certain strength in each character. The first cut, "One Voice," rings with triumphant promise as John the Baptist announces the coming of the Christ. Cut two is from Byram's performance in the film "Prince of Egypt." Cut three stands slightly apart from the rest of the album. One, it's an adaptation by Byram of an existing song, and two, because "Make a Way" wrings the agony out of Abraham's story as he pleads to God to spare him the horror of sacrificing of his son: "I will hope. I must try. Give me faith or I will die. Say you hear. Don't you see? He's my son." It's a gut-wrenching encounter with Abraham.



"The Days of Noah" gives Byram a chance to show an unexpected affinity with the Christian Rock sound. Further, it's a palate-cleanser for what may be the best overall song on the album: "My God, My God." The song encapsulates Barabbas' realization that the King died in his place on the cross. A three-act play contained inside one song, it's remarkable musically, lyrically and performance-wise.



"Encounter" is a fresh, original and inspiring CD."