Destiny Praise - Driven

By Peggy Oliver

Somewhere in the gospel music realm lies a vocal group slowly blazing their way to listener’s attention. Besides strong voices and laser harmonies, Destiny Praise seeks to equip their audience with essential life-changing decisions on their latest CD, Driven.

The nine-piece unit was hand-picked in 2001 by Dr. Bryan E. Crute, Senior Pastor of Destiny Metropolitan Worship Church in Atlanta, Georgia. In their young career, they have opened for John P. Kee, Kim Burrell, and many others. Multi-tasker Travon Potts, Destiny Praise musical director and president of Destiny Style Records, handled the production reins for Trin-I-Tee 5:7, Monica, and more.

With those combined forces, they have won the 2006 Atlanta Gospel Choice Awards for Best Vocal Group/Duo. Another highlight for DP was singing in conjunction with the Purpose Driven Worship Conference at Saddleback Church, under Pastor and author Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life). They also participated in a Black History Month program at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina. Their influences spread the urban music map: from soul shouter Jackie Wilson, smooth jazz vocalist Anita Baker, to the gospel powerhouse family, The Winans.

Storming out of the gate, Broken changes the negative way we may observe ourselves and how God molds us: “He rewrote my DNA.” A spoken word climax affirms the spiritual makeover. The Clay that comprises His children, requires brokenness and pride-less attitude: “Turn up the fire in my life, make me a vessel that’s pleasing in your sight.” Marching band meeting techno pop sets the tone for Pep Rally, a time for all J‑E-S-U-S fans to praise unashamedly: “This is more than an exercise, so get up and improvise.”

Perhaps a theme song for DP, My Destiny serves a purpose waiting for all believers no matter what condition we’re in: “When I am lonely, You are the only one that remains there.” Midway, this ballad flows into a waltz tempo. His Wil” exposes personal addictions, whether smoking, drinking or “validation wrapped in false love.” For those claiming Victory, Dr. Crute cries out “the party starts now”, emphasizing freedom like no other because “whatever’s binding me, I’m living by faith and not what I see."

Lead vocals switches hands several times on Walter Hawkins’ supercharged classic, Changed, presented in slightly faster and meaty funk form from the original. Experience the cleansing of DP’s utter rejoicing for His mercies throughout Psalms 136, cradled by electric piano mild reverbs.

Nothing But The Blood of Jesus, dressed up with bright jazz vocal colors and a title change The Blood, never loses its integral power, courtesy of Potts’ interpretation.

Dr. Crute’s tenor lead and DP’s seesawing harmonies gracefully cover the title track, whose goal is simply pleasing and prioritizing God: “People may laugh, but I choose to make You proud.” Let’s not forget the bonus cut, a closing prayer driven by 2 Chronicles 7:14.

There’s a contemporary urban flair, yet a sprinkling of pop, jazz, and worship elements which keeps the musical palette interesting. Potts’ one-man band pulls off crisp and sophisticated production values. DP definitely exhibits spring in their vocal step without resorting to outrageous acrobatics. Hopefully in the near future, more people and the media will recognize their distinct and sound ministry destined to give God full honor without worldly compromise.

The web site for Destiny Praise and Destiny Style Records is www.destinystylerecords.com or www.myspace.com/realdestinypraise.