John P. Kee (The Color of Music) - Reviews

John P. Kee
The Color of Music

Many of us still have The Prince of Gospel's 1994 solo project in our musical memories. It's hard to forget the sizzle that filled up 1994's Colorblind project, highlighted by those dazzling duets with Rance Allen.

Fast forward 10 years, and John P. Kee is still going strong, his musical energy seemingly never spent (see discography).

The Color of Music, taking its titling cue from Kee's 1994 project (but imparting a clever twist of meaning), is a very generous 17-song offering which has the New Life Community Choir founder mixing up a diverse range of styles, and having tons of fun while doing so.

No fear, there's lots of that high-gear, up-tempo vocals raspy stuff that Kee fans have latched on to since the artist's first foray back in 1983. The traditional "Harvest" and the more contemporary "Encouraged" and "I Can't Live Without You", with their steady drives, fit that bill.

But the album is set apart by Kee's frequent departure into somewhat uncharted territory —all of it tied together by those immediately recognizable vocals of his.

For example, there's some Darkchild flava on "Dancin'". Yes, Rodney Jerkins gets handed the keys to the cut, as he spins it into a club-friendly aural groove. The cut gets regrooved as the extended 'Partatropolis mix' near the album's end.

Switching it up with bit of reggae riddims, "U-Turn", with Prophet DeeEazy dropping his bit over the syncopation. Kee closely harmonizes with him on this happy, sunny, lazy-vibe number.

On "Praise Power", Kee drops a heavy 70's-ish keyboard jam over his vocal message about the potency of praise. "One Step" could almost be called a 'lounge jam', with its steady rhythmic line and laid back melodic structure. The song cleverly addresses "Mr. Relapse",as he calls the 'old self'. The verse says:

So Mr. Relapse you won’t trick me
Like you’ve tricked me before
As long as I’ve got a fortified Word
Headed for Heaven’s door

Some will recall that Kee recorded a live song at the GMWA annual national convention in Tampa in 2003, backed by his New Life Fellowship Praise & Worship Team. That cut, "In Your Name", appears on this project, and has all the makings of a hit. The praise is palpable.

Previous John P. Kee Features

Check out these other Kee features on GospelFlava.com:

Blessed By Association Review
Not Guilty Review
Kee's Old School Flava
Kee interview (Part 1 - the Ministry)
Kee interview (Part 2 - The Music)
Kee Tribute (James Robinson)
Kee History Lesson
Kee Discography

On "We Fly", Kee moves into a declaration of freedom (in Christ) from all things fleshly (he lists them) , set to a razor-edged, bluesy, electric guitar-laced track, with spicy, stacked backing vocals. The too-brief "Power Rock" is also powered by a rocky vibe.

Former New Life Community Choir member Lejuene Thompson joins Kee in duet on the gorgeous, slow ballad, "I-C-U", with Donald Hayes adding subtle sax to the mix. The song tells how Jesus sees us in every circumstance of life, and might qualify for many as the album's highlight.

Album's like this are notoriously difficult to define. It's John P. Kee, and lots of him —that should be enough said!

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Producer: John P. Kee album release date: August 10, 2004
Verity Records

— reviewed by Stan North with Gregory Gay —