James Ingram (Stand (In the Light)) - Reviews

James Ingram
Stand (In the Light)

In this business, few artists have attained a level of longevity worthy to be considered legendary. With over three decades of hits, several GRAMMY awards, and multiple Oscar nominations to his credit, James Ingram can easily be deemed a music icon. As a talented musician, songwriter, and vocalist, Ingram's career has been marked by his ability to break new ground and delve into new territory. He does so with his first inspirational release titled Stand (In the Light), a ten-track effort that showcases the purity of Ingram's heart and the power of his tenor vocals.

From start to finish, the album features an all-star lineup of producers and writers that bring Ingram's heart for God to the forefront. Five-time Dove-award winning producer Keith Thomas handles the lion's share of the production responsibilities for the album, producing four of the project's ten tracks. Thomas lends his touch to the reflective "For All We Know" and the pop-flavored "No Place Like Home", which Thomas co-writes with Ingram.

Other producers on the album include famed music director and bassist Rickey Minor, Keith Andes, Jeremy Lubbock, along with Ingram himself.

Celebrated actress, choreographer, and TV producer Debbie Allen partners with Ingram in co-writing "Mercy" and the album's title track. The title track reminds all of the importance of allowing the light of Christ to shine in all circumstances.

Ingram adds the original recording of the Grammy-award winning song "Yah-Mo Be There" to the project, an exciting duet with Michael McDonald that sees the incomparable Quincy Jones handling production efforts. Ingram continues to deliver classic and timeless material with his rendition of the hymn "Blessed Assurance" and the Bernard Ighner-penned hit "Everything Must Change".

Ingram stays true to his areas of expertise and delivers with smooth ballads and heartfelt lyrics. One listen to this effort and it becomes abundantly clear that Ingram is most comfortable providing inspiration to the world around him. This is an album that builds on the formula of authentic music and warm vocals, with the end result being another hit for Ingram. While an inspirational release may be new ground for this artist, he fits into the genre with the greatest of ease. Here's another album to add to your collection.

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Production: Keith Thomas, James Ingram, Rickey Minor, Keith Andes, Jeremy Lubbock album release date: February, 2009
Intering Records

— reviewed by Dwayne Lacy —