Vanessa Williams

Light Records

Seems to me, as though when you hear the term "newcomer" in the music business, that it’s really a misnomer. Newcomers in the business are a rare find. Most artists in the music industry, particularly if they're over 22, are not newcomers at all. They, quite likely, have been working at their music craft, erstwhile gainfully occupied in some other venture in efforts to provide for themselves and perhaps their dependents. Sadly, the statistics bear out that the millions of individuals who enter the industry every year, only about 1% actually go on to achieve “success” in a band or as a solo artist. Some closet solo artists may toil long and hard paying their debt to the industry in other areas such as songwriting, recording engineering, producing, management, sales, education, etc. Many find work behind the scenes, on the teams of already established major artists as background singers, musicians, stagehands and roadies. Then something kind of miraculous happens to change their station; suddenly they are thrust into the limelight and the world hails them as an “overnight sensation”.

Many established artists, gospel or otherwise, can relate to this. Artists like Dottie Peoples and Lexi or pop icon and Canadian R&B diva Deborah Cox who was a background singer for Celine Dion before she was hailed as a "newcomer". Many reading this can also relate stories of how they’ve had to work at a day job while pursuing deeper musical aspirations.

Still, it would appear artists launched into the mainstream, after having paid their dues within the industry, particularly if they have a wealth of talent and ministry to offer the world - they are the artists who have the greatest likelihood of sustaining longevity in this business.

Vanessa Williams may not be particularly fond of such pronouncements, partly because it might be way too early in the game for a declaration of this kind. Nevertheless, listening to her CD, her delivery, the range of power, passion and deep feeling, it is not a difficult conclusion to draw. A thorough investigation of the project will bear this out. Bear in mind that will mean having the CD in your hot little hands.

First, let's take a look at this so-called newcomer. She's been heard for almost a decade singing background vocals with Richard Smallwood and Vision, her mentor Yolanda Adams, Tramaine Hawkins, the Canton Spirituals, and with the Straight Gate Mass Choir's Faith in the House recording on Integrity Records. Yet she has spent the better part of her adult years as a public school art teacher. She has a daughter who is a college junior. Until recently, ageism in the industry might well have precluded her from ever launching a solo artist career.

Her journey to a record deal with Light Records and Bajada Records with Bishop Andrew Merritt (pastor of Straight Gate Church) and her ensuing testimony, no doubt would be a powerful ministry symbol to new and "upcoming" artists. Inquiring minds might inquire, "How does one go from being a school art teacher to being produced by gospel industry A-list producers like Steven Ford, PAJAM, Kevin Bond, Fred Hammond and Richard Smallwood"? Her answer might begin with something like this..." God's timing is remarkable".

Her first track from this remarkable debut, One Mo Praz, written and produced by executive producer Steven Ford begins the project’s showcase of her awesome talent as a lead and background vocalist. Her light, effortless vocals shift and float like chiffon in the wind expose her enthusiastic spirit, which shines through this track like rays of sunbeams.

Hail or High Water written and produced by PAJAM, opens up not only her vocal depth, but also a artistic one, as vocally she paints a an image of the watery chasms of the ocean depths and of the heavenly heights. Vanessa displays a great deal of musical maturity as she digs deep into her emotional well to watercolor all the nuances the song requires.

Hiding Place, written and produced by Kevin Bond weaves fluidly in and out of a tight urban rhythm track. Despite its soothing lilt, Vanessa’s voice soars on an emotional high into the stratosphere. Next up, Fred and RFC’s prophetic praise ‘n worship picks up the pace on Walk By Faith. Produced and co-written by Fred Hammond, backed by RFC, Vanessa steps to the plate and, with extreme ease, delivers an urban contemporary double play to delight the spirit.

All My Help, written and produced by Richard Smallwood along with Vision, brings his own signature traditional/classical gospel style to the table. Having had many years of performing with Richard, this one's a no-brainer. His writing prowess, combined with her powerful and anointed delivery, is sure to make this a favorite ballad of Smallwood fans, which certainly won't hinder Vanessa's cause any at all.

Vanessa shows no end to her gifting as the remaining tracks Bow Down, Think Again, You Belong to Me, See What I Believe, Oh How I Love Jesus, Chasing After You, Can't Thank You Enough and Worship Your Name attest to.

Her desire to see art and music combine to be core curriculum in schools is revealed in her own vocal abilities. Applying her diverse understanding of art itself, she paints, splashes, sculpts, illustrates and images her vocal imprint on the hearts of listeners.

Vanessa Williams skillfully uses her ministry to convey spiritual artistic concepts that bring color, light, lift and dimension to a gray post-911 world. With the help of the recently rejuvenated Light Records, gospel’s most respected producers, ministry leaders and her own previous personal achievements, she stands to be an artist we hope to enjoy for a very long time.