James Fortune & FIYA

By Peggy Oliver

James Fortune, a songwriter/choir director out of Texas, home state of Kirk Franklin, jump-started the Contemporary Gospel chart back in 2004.  The breakout single, You Survived, was composed by Fortune, who was facing numerous struggles in his personal and professional life.  The project of the same name carried encouraging themes and loads of upbeat worship.  Now what could be in store three years later?   The Transformation somewhat follows suit as Fortune teams again with FIYA (Free in Yahweh’s Abundance), a hand-picked vocal band from various Houston churches.  The group, a regional youth choir mostly in their twenties, has received accolades for several years.  That group almost didn’t have a chance to record because Fortune was tempted to change careers due to severe trials during that debut CD, yet God mapped You Survived and a two-year recording investment.  

The sophomore Worldwide Music release took a while to produce as well, drawing upon several urban soundscapes, a smidgeon of experimentation, and an effective update of a Gospel landmark.  As usual, Fortune is on the sideline leading the proceedings, in the vein of Franklin, handing the vocal duties to FIYA members and superb soloists. 

Sometimes The Transformation mirrors the debut, which also begins with a worship ballad.  Anaysha Figueroa’s flexible voice takes the lead on I Owe You, ranging from calm to crescendos.

In an interview posted on jamesfortune.gospelkeyboard.com, Fortune mentions he appreciates both anointed and versatile musicianship.  That trend resonates again on several tracks.  Reggae rhythms decorate the chorus on Follow You, a song about sincerely committing to God’s will.

Hinting on the Minneapolis (Minnesota) Sound, a shuffling funk drives I’m Good, lending hope “for everyone that’s been counted out.” 

I Wouldn’t Know feeds off a mesmorizing soul/jazz hybrid.  However, just when this groove gets deeply serious, Nakitta Fox invites the listener to church as FIYA battles “every trick of the enemy.”