Juanita Bynum & Jonathan Butler - Gospel Goes Classical

By Peggy Oliver

Just over three years ago, a gospel record executive teamed powerful vocalists with the grandiose beauty of a full symphony orchestra. Fast forward to May 2006 as two distinct worshippers, Juanita Bynum and Jonathan Butler, guided by conductor Dr. Henry Panion III, release another venture into Gospel Goes Classical.

This live recording from the University of Alabama in Birmingham features accompaniment by mass choir, full rhythm section, and orchestra, plus performances by Ruben Studdard not available on the actual CD. Dr. Bynum, an internationally-known minister on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), speaks and sings for various conferences, including the Weapons of Power, plus stands beside husband Bishop Thomas Weeks III, pastor of Global Destiny Church in Atlanta, Georgia & Washington, D.C. Another international figure, South Africa native Butler has established a long career in jazz, R&B and gospel.

As behind-the-scenes international entrepreneur, Vernice Watson, the CD’s Executive producer and current Senior Vice-President of GospoCentric Records, is the brainchild behind Gospel Goes Classical with humble beginnings in 2003 that headlined Byron Cage and Dorinda Clark-Cole with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The extremely gifted Dr. Panion with music theory and education degrees from Alabama A&M and Ohio State Universities has worked with orchestras (The Royal Philharmonic from London, England, i.e.) and much well-respected talent from Stevie Wonder to The Blind Boys of Alabama.

A majestic instrumental treatment for the spiritual, Ride On King Jesus, provides the fitting overture.

Bynum steps to the stage with a Jeannie Tenney (wife of Tommy Tenney from God Chasers) composition, One Night With The King, followed by To Be Kept By Jesus“(Psalm 121) written by co-producer Robert W. ‘Jojo’ Harris. Both selections are fueled by Bynum’s coaxing the congregation: “If it hadn’t been for the mercies of God”.

Next Butler’s cradling voice swirls over Falling In Love With Jesus topped with a bluesy and gritty acoustic guitar solo. A steady violin solo graces another Butler piece, We Need You Lord, yearning for the Lord’s security: “In His arms I feel protected; In Your arms I’m never disconnected.”