Anthony Evans - Even More

By Rene Williams

INO Records (Sony)

When one hears the name Tony Evans, immediately thoughts of power-packed, scripture-filled sermons come to mind. Well, there is another Tony Evans, or should I say, Anthony Evans. And this Evans has just burst on to the gospel music scene. Son of the world-renowned pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church in Dallas, Texas, Anthony Evans was destined for ministry.

Although few are aware of the younger Evans, he has been behind the scenes in the Christian music industry for years. The 25-year old has been (and still is) a backup singer for Kirk Franklin and had a brief stint as a member of the popular CCM group TRUTH. Recently he’s been venturing out on his own, doing close to 50 dates a year. In June, his debut release entitled Even More on INO Records (Sony) hit the streets.

The studio project, entering the Billboard Top Gospel chart at #17, provides the listener with some great music and impeccable vocals. Drawing many of his resources on this album from the Contemporary Christian music community, Evans taps Shaun Shankel (Point of Grace, Amy Grant), Dan Muckala (Avalon, Rachael Lampa), Peter Kipley (Mercy Me, Rebecca St. James) , and Greg Bieck (Plus One, Josh Groban) as producers. He also brings in Kirk Franklin as a producer as well.

Evans opens the project with the Latin-oriented, urban-tinged You Know My Name. The song starts with some sweet acoustic guitar licks embedded on a contemporary, beat-driven sound. Written by Evans and CCM pop artist Natalie Grant and her producer husband Bernie Herms, the track is a great one.

Fearless showcases Evans’ strong vocal abilities and will warm the palates of those who enjoy a more pop-flavored, CCM vibe. The song, co-produced by Evans and Kipley, beckons God to make him “unashamed and unafraid”. In addition to production credits, Kirk Franklin contributes a song to Even More. Incredible, a track with a neo-soul feel, includes some sparse percussion with a tight R&B groove. Kirk does a guest spot on the song, too, and provides the familiar sound of his own background singers. The lyrics talk about the awesomeness and incredible nature of God’s love. I Love You, another smooth soul sounding groove-laden cut was co-written by Nicole C. Mullen’s hubby, David. The title song, Even More, finds Evans singing about his love for God and how he seems to need God more and more each day.