Carolyn Traylor - There's A Story Behind My Praise

By Peggy Oliver

To sing or not to sing. Surely gospel music can heal wounds. At a specific, excruciating time in the life of Carolyn Traylor, singing uplifting songs, and a mighty pinch of grace, saved her sanity.

The sophomore CD, There’s A Story Behind My Praiseserves a heavy appetite of Southern fried church, graced with encouragement for the Body of Christ. Under the guidance of Olivia Branch Walker at Texas Southern University, Traylor launched her career participating in the college choir after years of off-and-on singing through childhood. After the death of thirteen family members in a short time, the Lord beckoned her further to sing in various congregations throughout the South.

Besides sharing the stage with John P. Kee, Vickie Winans, and many more, Traylor’s journey led to European tours with Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes; then two years later with Dr. Bobby Jones and the Nashville Super Choir for two straight Easter outings in Italy. After inking with Malaco Records, the Texas singer/songwriter was blessed to have a gospel giant in the production chair on her debut as Evangelist Dorothy Norwood plus Jones’ pianist Derrick Lee would produce Traylor’s debut, Don’t Wanna’ Be Left Behind.

Supplying Malaco “thick as molasses” blues, Getting Outta Your Way deters people from their stubborn wills. The title track, co-written by Traylor, praises the Lord all over the place. It stresses that His protection is especially apparent even after the loss of several family members: “He kept my mind.”

The super-charged, a capella testimonial, It’s Already Now challenges everyone to treat our spouses right and repent of our sins so we can “get into position.”

Deep Down In My Heart pours out love, call and response style, decked with fuzz guitar and funky backbeats.

From the pen of worship composer, V. Michael McKay, Your Time instructs us to follow Jesus’ blueprint in receiving the benefits and enhancing our season. Traylor’s softer side is on display, backed by floating piano and strings.