Darnell Davis & The Remnant - Psalms of the Remnant

By Peggy Oliver

While Chicago and New York receive plenty of due for their Gospel representation, Minnesota has some firepower.  Take for instance James Grear & Co., Ricky Dillard & New G; and probably the biggest profile name, The Sounds of Blackness.  Meanwhile, F. Darnell Davis played a major behind-the scenes role as songwriter, plus music director for Excelsior.  The Remnant (see Jeremiah 23:9), formed by Davis in 2004, releases their debut, Psalms of the Remnant, comprised of vocalists and musicians Davis has associated with for around a decade, including co-producer/drummer Brian Kendrick (Mint Condition).  Even though the CD is purely God-centered, funk, hip-hop, jazz, and rock come into play with obvious influences from Prince to Earth Wind & Fire.  In the accompanying DVD (that includes three performances), Davis & Kendrick emphasize The Remnant (TR) wants to deviate from an entertainment platform and major record labels, while securing a ministry angle. 

High-stepping, radio beckoning, praise surrounds the first two selections, I’m Yours, a simple song declaring: “make me into something that I’ve never been before,” and a celebration of His goodness in Rejoice, with a well-meshed duet via Dawn Martin and Cameron Hughes.

Now here comes the sweltering funk and a delicious trumpet underpinning by John Raymond.  In the meantime, It’s in Jesus warns believers that loved ones won’t give us ultimate healing, comfort, and acceptance like the Savior.

Part of the ‘Minneapolis Sound,’ Mint Condition member Stokley Williams, one of the best R&B communicators in modern times nails the point across for Stop Frontin’, about the facades we build.

TR takes their time to exalt His name throughout Holy, erupting into intense instrumental breaks in between the early verses. 

Give Thanks (Psalms 136:1) features the rich lead vocal by Jack Yates (James Grear & Co.) describing Jesus’s credentials: “His wonderful deeds throughout all creation.”  Hip-hop duo Just Live decides to play tag-team, seconding the motion: “He’s kept every promise since the hour we met.”

Get this from:

Email This Article     Print This Article