Charles Woolfork - The Process: Birth, Development, Destiny

By Peggy Oliver

Eternity Musiq Group

Charles Woolfork & Covenant have been an integral part of the funk/dance fusion in gospel, such as Kirk Franklin, New Direction, and Tye Tribbett and GA. After a near-three year recording absence, the three-time Stellar Award nominee returns for The Process: Birth, Development, Destiny.

Shortening a very lengthy journey, let’s hit a few important facts. Naturally there were the challenges: his mothers’ illness, dealings with sexual impurity and a dry period where the songs would not ooze out. Learning to ease up on the transparency and lean more on God, Woolfork joined The Word Church in Cleveland, Ohio. During an altar call, his pastor clearly set the record straight that a superstar attitude wouldn’t cut it. Woolfork, who became an ordained minister in 2003, has a redirected focus that has sprung forth new songs, new attitude and a new record label, Eternity Musiq Group.

Community propels the singer/songwriter/actor’s busy vision. Project Phoenix is an upcoming project geared for underprivileged kids involving music production. Being led by God to teach teenagers about the risks of sexual diseases, Woolfork has also founded Abstinence In Action (AIA). His obvious passion has carried over to a planned national convention in 2006.

As for the music, the party vibe sets the stage on We Praisin’. Rapper Silky Slim joins forces on this thumping jam. Shifting gears radically is FIXIT, where all problems are directed to the Great Physician. Riveting old-fashioned quartet harmonies claim all the promises for healing and whatever else we may be going through.

The only way to be So Happy is to realize the Lord will always be our picker upper. When words are few, Speechless simply states to keep those hands lifted up and He will respond in kind. Nothing less than God’s Word was the inspiration for Clearly Speaking. Get ready to love the Lord to death as Woolfork and the backing vocalists clearly desire what the Almighty has to say.

No lazy praise allowed as Holla' Back stomps all over and pushes the worshipper to leave the sidelines. The hip-hop feel meshes with techno blasts. Refuge becomes a special place reserved for Christ’s followers who dwell in the never-failing will of God. The Difference (Interlude) zeroes in on some counseling regarding integrity via Woolfork’s mentor Pastor R. A. Vernon from The Word Church.

Remembering when the young paid the utmost respect to their elders, Thank You (Looking Back) harkens the times where rules were followed without question. Despite the disparaging news of the world, there are Betta’ Dayz ahead, and we can fully relax in the Good News of Christ Jesus. Count On Me and Reign reassure us of His availability and comforting Holy Spirit. Then we finally ponder the final resting place detailed on No More Pain.

After several tracks on the mellow side, the CD wraps up with a special treat. On the greasy “funktified” sixties/seventies tip entitled Get Up, comedian/actor Bernie Mac gets his preaching on. Ah oh it’s not quite the real deal, but Woolfork pulls off a brilliant impersonation.

The tenacity of gratitude and worship never takes a back seat no matter what is served up behind the musical scenes. There are a few coats of different colors compared to previous efforts such as sprinkling jazzy tidbits (Speechless, Thank You), and jackhammer beats dousing Holla’ Back.

A core of live players including co-producer Kenny Bell, Joey Greene, and Derrick Wideman lay down church for FIXIT and Clearly Speaking. Izzy Bell, Courtney Dwight, James Agnew and Woolfork’s production savvy displays the edgier trimmings like So Happy and Better Dayz. Woolfork’s seamless voice adapts to every arrangement, whether with R&B, streetwise rap, or even the funny. Putting it all together, The Process… should be noted not only as a gospel music landmark, but where spiritual beauty blossoms, ever seeking the Father in the daily path we tread.

Learn more about Woolfork’s ministries, check The Process lyrics, and so much more on www.eternitymusiqgroup.com.