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Singer-songwriter Kim Dexter (formerly of Mayfair Laundry) is back with a brand new studio album, Reaching. The worship-infused project is the follow-up to Dexter's debut solo album, So This Is It, which spawned international radio airplay, extensive touring and television appearances.
Produced by Jerad Atherton, Reaching was recorded at Hollywood's legendary EastWest Studios (Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, Frank Sinatra) with an all-star cast of players that includes bassist Jonathan Ahrens (Jason Mraz, Jewel), drummer Aaron Sterling (Kelly Clarkson, John Mayer), and Dexter on keys. The album also includes a duet with fellow artist Jason Dunn (former Hawk Nelson frontman) on "Our Souls Cry Out."
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Reaching Towards Love| Posted June 16, 2014
Kim Dexter is an artist who knows her way around the industry, albeit often behind the scenes. From serving as frontwoman for 90s group Mayfair Laundry to writing the theme song for Christian children's classic film series Bibleman, her varied songwriting and singing credential have built musical maturity into both her musical approach and her lyrics.
Her latest effort Reaching emphasizes a vertical lyrical direction, as is immediately clear on opening cut "Remain," featuring the deeply intimate worship lyrics "I will be made new when You hold me in Your arms / I'll know no sorrow, no regrets, no shame / Perfect love will remain." In keeping with the theme of the album, she even takes on classic hymn "Be Thou My Vision," a piece suited well to Kim's sweet, ethereal vocal style.
Musically, many of the tracks (such as "Pour Out Your Love," "Our Souls Cry Out") rely heavily on Kim Dexter's polished piano skills, building other elements of the instrumentation from that foundation. There are moments of musical surprise on the album as well, such as the introduction of a banjo on a few tracks or the heavily electronic leaning title track, "Reaching." Aforementioned "Our Souls Cry Out" also features a guest feature from Jason Dunn, who shows an unusually vulnerable and smooth side of his vocal range.
Closing Thoughts:
Although the joy and freedom we gain from God's love is a clear theme throughout, it is infused with a kind of sweet vulnerability that keeps the positive themes from feeling strained or contrived. Kim shares her soul in songwriting that is simple yet personal and poetic. Musically, it does seem to be asking for something a little more stand-out or compelling to mark it in the listener's memory. However, this is a strong collection of Spirit-filled songs that can easily be taken straight from Kim Dexter's heart and into our own, bringing a quiet calm to personal worship times.
Song to Download Now:
"Our Souls Cry Out" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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