Gospel Music -- Richard Smallwood and Vision CD Release Concert Review -- Entertain Your Belief

Thousands of loyal Richard Smallwood fans stood in a line on June 5, 2007. They eagerly awaited the concert at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. The host pastors were Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning Jr. and Rev. Dr. Joann Browning. Richard Smallwood decided to present a concert on his CD release day for his Washington D.C. Metro fans. He wanted them to experience live, some of the music featured on his highly anticipated project “Journey: Live in New York.” It was a memorable night of celebration and reflection upon Smallwood’s successful musical journey.

Byron Cage served as the host of this spectacular event. Smallwood’s church choir Metropolitan Baptist Church opened the concert singing classic Smallwood songs. Nolan Williams directed the choir as they sang We Magnify Your Name and My Everything. Williams’ heartfelt exhortation about Smallwood set the tone for the concert. Williams advised everyone to have a holy expectancy of God to show up that night. Believe me: God’s presence was in the atmosphere.

There was a special video presentation that included shout outs from Smallwood peers in the gospel industry such asDr. Bobby Jones, Vicki Winans, Dr. Marvin Sapp and Byron Cage. Smallwood also gave personal messages as he reflected about his musical journey. He shared how the song I’ll Trust You personally gave him strength while traveling back and forth visiting his mom when she was ill. There were personal snapshots shown from his childhood and special events. The video included exciting performances of guest artists featured on Smallwood projects such as The Hawkins Family, Chaka Khan, Kelly Price and Kim Burrell.

The crowd applauded and cheered wildly as they saw once again the original members of the Richard Smallwood Singers.

Richard said “I wanted to write music on this project that talked about what we encountered on this journey. God promised that He’ll never leave you or forsake you.” He reflected on the live recording in New York and talked about what it meant to feature his special guests that were a part of his musical journey. He explained how he started the group back in 1977 and how they traveled the world. Dottie Jones led the popular He Won’t Leave You featured on their second album Psalms back in 1984. Everyone stood and joined in remembering this classic hit.

Next Smallwood and Vision sang Journey from the title track on their new project. The incredible Kim Burrell sang lead. The lyrics spoke about not being able to make this journey without God. Before the next song Smallwood stated that if you

put your trust in man he’ll fail you but if you put your trust in God, He’ll be by your side. He led the anointed I’ll Trust You. After the song, the Spirit of God literally saturated the church. He went into a fast tempo praise break calling on the name of Jesus. He handed the microphone to different members in the group who lead the praise celebration.

The concert ended with Smallwood singing (many fans all-time favorite), Total Praise. That put a cap on the entire evening. The audience stood with the group singing this praise anthem. Immediately following the concert Richard met with fans and signed copies of his new CD. Everyone left the concert feeling inspired and blessed.

“The concert tonight is two fold … it’s a celebration of my 25th year in the music business as well as a milestone in my journey of life. I just lost my mom a little over a year ago.There has been a lot of rough places … also there have been some good places. So the music that I wrote I wanted to convey different things that we go through as we go through life … my life’s journey. I also wanted to musically convey some of the songs I’ve done. I got the first song I did that I wrote at 7 years old … growing up through Howard University … up until now. You’ve got my music perspective. So the whole project is about my journey.”