Daniel Austin - On My Mind

By Peggy Oliver

Music has always reigned over Daniel Austin’s life, from singing with his family to leading his University mass choir, along with a critical career decision that would increase his ministry.

On his debut recording, On My Mind, this 25-year- singer/songwriter mostly sticks to gospel’s contemporary side, but tosses in tidbits of classical, hip-hop, and jazz to keep the musicality interesting.  The Washington, D.C. resident was born in Florida.  He was raised in a musical family, was part of a family accapella group with his mother and siblings, all while saving for his first piano in order to take lessons.  That immense dedication earned him a spot at a regional performing arts high school, then studying voice at Howard University.  For three years, he directed the Howard Gospel Choir.

Austin eventually chose to serve God full-time over his classical training.  Besides being a highly-regarded piano and voice teacher and more recently a licensed minister, his onstage resume is extensive; from a duet with Jessye Norman (for a Kennedy Center Honors to Sidney Poitier); singing at President Bill Clinton’s inaugural ceremony, and backing Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Pastor Daryl Coley (two major vocal inspirations), just to scratch the surface.

Two foot-stompers initiate this project from Temple of Praise in DC.  It’s Time To Praise The Lord emphasizes perseverance: “Don’t wait till the battle is over”, while Be Transformed, a hit for the CD’s producer Isaiah D. Thomas (Gladys Knight, Dottie Peoples), with the choir chanting “you can do it” and the band digging in the funk dirt.

Beginning the journey into His presence, Choose Me, about being a vessel for His glory, weaves a delightful flow launched by the jazz intricacies framed by Jonathan DuBose, Jr.’s tinkling guitar fills, to HGC and others invoking their vocals like a scathing horn section.  Lowell Pye from Men of Standard meshes his rich and powerful pipes with Austin’s on Grace that’s always sufficient in any circumstance” (2 Corinthians 12:9).  For Jesus Is and You Are God, the worship atmosphere expands, with the latter maximizing the joyful voices and Austin expressing gratitude for expressing love to Him in the first degree.