The phrase “signature sound” probably originated with the group Witness. Well, maybe not, but no one would argue if it did.

Continuing the recent trend in Gospel comebacks, the veteran female ensemble has returns six years after what appeard to be a disbanding in 1997, with another honed, vocals-based and deeply scriptural project, this time on Axiom Records, titled An Appointed Time (listen to the audio clips).

Still possessing that Witness sound (thanks to the finesse of producer and founder Michael Brooks), albeit with a different array of individual voices (Lisa Page Brooks and Laeh Jones are back, Lou Stewart rejoins the group and Natasha Page debuts), the veteran Detroit group will no doubt satsify their legion of fans with this offering.

For openers, Witness heads into “Battles”, an uptempo groove with that tell-tale close harmony and splashed with judicious vocoder on occasion. True to the group’s high standard of scriptural insight, the song stresses the importance of our faith and trust in God, as we let Him fight our battles for us, exhorting us to “Hold on to what He promised you, And praise Him while you wait.

“I Touched Him” has Lisa Page Brooks out front, taking the voice of the woman who touched the hem of our Lord’s garment (“It was me, yes, I touched him”). It’s an unusual perspective from a theme that is frequently covered in song, and serves to bring the message home in a fresh manner. Acoustic guitar from Joe Foster is generously splashed around the cut.

“Clap Your Hands” is a joyous praise, and is a great example of how subtle vocal pronunciations can be worked to maximum effect. Listen to how Witness sings the words “hands”, “stand” and “do” and get tutored! Songwriter credits are shared by Brooks, Natasha Page and also Charles Harris.

Witness Features

Check these additional features on Witness: Interview with Lisa Page Brooks Witness Discography Witness-Commissioned Connection

A hushed vibe with melodic strings and guitar prodding the melody into meditative places marks “Secret Place”. Group harmonies and solo lines woven deftly into the chorus add to the effect.

Anyone who has any familiarity with Witness knows that their smash hit “Standard”, taken from their 1993 album of the same name, continues to elicit response, with its ageless message that proclaims God’s protection of those who are His. Michael Brooks reworks the classic, adding contemporary instrumental flairs (guitar) and updating the track to 2003, while ensuring that it remains instantly recognizable with its melody and close harmony.

“For Me” has a special place on the project, as it is a collaborative family affair. Written by Brooks and Natasha Page, and with joint production from Brooks and his son Justin Brooks (who also contributes keyboards and drum programming), the song is seamless work that celebrates God’s incredible love for us, who are so undeserving:

Whether you are a Witness afficianado, or whether you are now being introduced to these legends, An Appointed Time brings with it an abundance of riches, both musical and spiritual.



Three songs snips from Witness' album are available as RealAudio downloads. If you don't have RealAudio, be sure to obtain your free RealAudio player software first, by clicking on the blue RealAudio icon on the right.

To download the song snips, simply click on the highlighted text below, let stream on RealAudio, and enjoy.

• "Clap Your Hands"
  
  
• "Standard (Take 2)"
  
  
• "Battles"
  
  

Producer: Michael Brooks album release date: September 30, 2003
Axiom Records

— reviewed by Stan North —

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