Search - John P. Kee :: Color of Music

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Aaron | London, England | 09/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John P. Kee deserves such title's that he gets. He is diverse musically and it shows on this album. The track's are all special and are an example to fellow musicians worldwide. 25 years in the industry and he still comes out with great music. This may not be true but in my opinion I think even he was inspired by Tonex on this one - some track's have that high energy that the likes of Kirk and Tonex convey. But when I think about it, they probably copied him ;-p.



PRAISE POWER: This is a full star song. Harmonies are tight. Any review of this song would be derogatory so I'm just gonna let you hear it. Heavy.

IN YOUR NAME: Kinda traditional gospel. Musically it's simplistic but I think that's what makes it beautiful.

DANCIN': Darkchild is not new to producing gospel music and he brings a club vibe to Kee's gospel vibe and the result is this bangin' track.

SAKIYA'S SONG: A ballad about his baby girl. Aww sweet. He's funny towards the end. Nice to listen to.

I FLY: The background vocals in the chorus sound like Tonex' singin about 40 times over. I wish I could sing that high. It's got a slight Heavy metal vibe which is why I think it reminds me of Tonex. I'm not fond of the guitar solo in the middle to metal for me! But other this track rock's - pun intended!

MUSIC: A dinner jazz vibe with just a piano. I love this. Lyrically every musician should take notice `Is it wrong? Is it right? Is it black? Is it white?' Think about it.

I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU: Git yo' praize on! Musically it sounds like it should have been on the `Blessed by Association' album. If this isn't great gospel I don't know what is.

U-TURN: This is the track that my whole family loves. A Caribbean vibe and it's heavy - for lack of a better word. Language is inadequate at times.

HARVEST: Traditional quartet gospel that you would have found in the 70's. Your grandmama will like this one - as well as you!

I C U: Do you remember `Breathe on me' on the last one. It's like that - a duet. Lyrically it is amazing as well.

ONE STEP: I'm not familiar with this track. It's not a favourite of mine in comparison to the others. A li'l borin'.

ENCOURAGED: Production wise I think of Fred Hammond wise here. Once again not a favourite but I like the verses.

RIGHT THERE: In this song it's the chorus that shines. It's a melody you'll find yourself humming without realising.

NEVER: With this song they tookthe `I won't let go (interlude) and made a whole song out of it and it is off the hook. His falsetto is nuts as well.

MOMMA'S CHOICE: It's what it is. I don't understand it personally. It's instrumental and doesn't really go with the flow with the album.

PARTATROPOLIS MIX: Basically Dancin' again but more instrumental with the odd voice samples.

POWER ROCK: The end of Praise Power again.

"

John P. Kee :: "The Color Of Music"

Reviews@BlackGospel.com | Philadelphia, PA | 11/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Prince of Gospel is back and royally good I must say! John P. Kee has released his long-awaited solo recording, The Color of Music. Somewhat in the "Kee" of Color Blind (John's last solo project - released in 1994) this latest album delivers all the caliber of the past with the freshness that today demands.

However, before we get to John P. Kee: The Color of Music it's imperative that we take a quick glimpse back at Color Blind, Pastor Kee's second solo release. It was issue-oriented. The lead single (title track) dealt with prejudice. Other highlights include a remake of Stevie Wonder's "Love's in Need" and we should all remember Rance Allen's "Salt of the Earth," which also features Allen. Kee and Allen also teamed up on the reworking of one of his father's old favorites, "It's Alright," a traditional tune reworked in the "kee" of hip-hop; which brings us to his latest release. Even though it's set in a different decade I truly believe that this album reaches back and answers the first solo project as the titles cleverly imply: Color blind...The Color of Music... hey now... I don't want to get too deep on you, let's visit the tracks.



Praise Power bounds onto the scene with a mildly Carribean flava that explodes into the classic, raspy harmonized vocals that Pastor Kee is known for. He's still going strong with incredible unfading energy and dynamism.



In Your Name allows us to cool down a bit, being mellow and snazzy at the same time. You'll really enjoy its steady rhythmic line and relaxed melodic structure. We hear crisp female vocals in this one helping to take a little of the edge of Pastor Kee's sharp vocals.



We take a trip with Dark Child and Li'l Rufus to Groovesville, USA. As if the title, Dancin' wasn't fair warning I popped the track in and before I knew it I was getting my groove on - you don't understand the miracle in this until you understand the fact that I DON'T dance - nothing against it I just don't have the rhythm to pull it off. I'll call this one a dance tutorial because it reaches that "Kirk" (Franklin) core of everyone. Sizzling beats and a powerful pulse that revives even the most stagnant body. Nuff said.



Pastor Kee was born John PRINCE Kee in 1962 but Sakiya's Song is a love ballad dedicated to the PRINCESS in the Kee household. It really touched my heart in that it glows with the embers of a father's love. Being a daddy's girl myself I especially love it and can't help but reflect on the Father's great love for me. It;s not just for the ladies though; any of the brothers with a daughter that has grabbed their heart - as they always do - will play this one just to hear the adorable dialogue at the end! Don't get nervous this sentimental song is but the creamy center of a richly-layered truffle. There's lots of the high-gear, up-tempo vocals raspy stuff that we Kee fans have craved since the Pastor Kee's first project back in 1983. The traditional "Harvest" and the more contemporary "Encouraged" and "I Can't Live Without You", steadily, readily suit the purpose. Former New Life Community Choir member Lejuene Thompson joins Kee! in duet on the gorgeous, slow ballad, "I-C-U", with Donald Hayes adding gentle saxophone to the mix. The song tells how Jesus sees us in every circumstance of life, and might qualify for many as the album's highlight. The collection is set apart by Pastor Kee's frequent departure into previously uncharted territory -all of it tied together by those immediately recognizable vocals of his.



For example I Fly is incredibly and refreshingly in the "kee" of heavy metal. I've got to give a shout out to Regi Miner for completely rocking those electric guitars...my, my, my. Even Pastor Kee got to cut loose on the acoustic guitar. As I was sitting encased in such a rich and totally piercing strings and percussions I realized tow things: 1) My PC speakers are WAY better than my car stereo and 2)The implied relationship between the last two solo titles: Color Blind and The Color of music. I'd been taken on a journey through many different cultures and backgrounds all while seated in front of my PC. I didn't judge, smirk or turn a deaf ear because I trust the calling on Pastor John's life. I see how he's used the familiarity and relationship and dare I say the trust that he has built with his fans as and instrument to usher us into tolerance, understanding and even appreciation of all cultures and types of music. Music really sums up the! soul of the album, asking



"Is it wrong is it right? Is it Black is it White?



Is it green is it Blue? Is it me is it you?



Why do we compete for what's already ours?"



Helping us to cross the color lines, be color blind and embrace each other as one body - the body of Christ. It didn't hurt that I Can't Live Without You was playing in the background while I was typing this - talk about motivation! - Tangela Green for BlackGospel.com

"

FANTASTIC

James A. Shade | 04/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is wonderful because it's not just about selling records, it's about the lyrics and how they really do match up to the word. This CD talks about living and speaking the word, walking by faith, and having God reside in you. This Cd is great and Pastor Kee has done a remarkable job. Listen to the words before you criticize."