Darnell Davis & The Remnant - Psalms of the Remnant

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.”

Put on your dancing shoes and seize an opportunity to hear about the burden bearer on That’s Love.  This ties properly into the tender worship piece, Where Would I Be? describing our defender and comforter. 

Darnell’s wife, Nesey Davis belts out New Day, where our past should be left behind to appreciate the daily blessings.

TR Worship Medley posts all original material instead of standard hymns, but clearly achieves a solid purpose in drawing the audience to the Savior.  Kelli Randon, Kenatia Cade, and Sharlene Shelton all bring a sensitive sweetness to the throne room.

Bridging contemporary R&B and cool jazz sensibility, He Has Been Good puts DeHavalyn Rowe at the lead microphone.

More material is presented on the bonus DVD:  The Medley, a building block from vocal reverence to praising in Tye Tribbett proportions with aerobic excitement; Show Your Glory revealing our dependence on Him; and Why with a transparent lead by Sharlene Shelton, asking why He loves us despite what we’ve done and said.

In this day and age, the full ‘live’ sound with minimal overdubs and gadgetry is a welcome music mat, thanks to the attuned and versatile ‘TR’ band consisting of Kendrick, bass guitarist Yohannes Tona, keys by David Billingsley, and Mike Scott on electric guitar.  Despite Davis (who also handles keyboards) justifiably bringing worship intensity, sometimes he could lessen his appearances as TR is a more than capable vocal outfit projecting an obvious joy, no matter what the genre.  FS Records has etched another Minneapolis/Minnesota outfit, with a more than welcome addition for Contemporary Gospel ears.

Visit www.myspace.com/theremnantmuzik or www.fsmusiclabel.com for more details or to purchase their music.