Kurt Carr emerges after six years more determined than ever!
Posted July 24, 2019
By DwayneLacy_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know
There is no way that any Gospel music fan, casual or die-hard, can not know who Kurt Carr is. Kurt Carr and The Kurt Carr Singers are responsible for life-changing songs such as “In the Sanctuary,” “For Every Mountain,” “God Blocked It” "I Almost Let Go" and so many more. He was the musical director for the late Rev. James Cleveland and later produced albums for Byron Cage, Tramaine Hawkins, and other Gospel greats. Being someone who has accomplished so much can be both a blessing and a lot of pressure. On top of that, Kurt lost his mother, Delores, and long-time ministry partner, Dorothy King. However, after six years of fighting through depression and loss, Kurt is back with Bless Somebody Else.
What it Sounds Like
Although this is an album with mostly new material, Kurt is not going to veer away from that signature sound and full singing that distinguishes him and The Kurt Carr Singers from other groups. The Kurt Carr Singers are a group of uber-talented and versatile singers who carry their own respective styles, but they are a strong, cohesive unit. Songs like “I’ll Make Sure You’re Lifted Up” and “Something Big, Something Marvelous” lead by Nikki Potts, are the fun uptempo anthems that will uplift Jesus and encourage believers. “With Thanksgiving” is infectious and even multilayered. The title speaks for itself and I was loving it from the beginning. However, the song goes from a bouncy number featuring a groove provided by bassist Nick McNack to a Latin-styled praise anthem and then they go straight quartet featuring some squalling adlibs from Roosevelt Griffin and Nakitta Foxx. Kurt, you did it again!
Spiritual Highlights
There are songs on the album that will help others through dark times, songs of praise and songs just to enjoy. “Bless Somebody Else (Dorothy’s Song)" features a who’s who list of Gospel and R&B artist who sing about getting their focus off of themselves, but serving and blessing others. Trusting God through a very tough storm is not just a cliche, but something that Jesus even illustrated to Peter.
Best Song on the Record
“Say All is Well” serves as a reminder that God is in control no matter what a person is facing. The interpolation of the popular hymn, “It is Well” was very well done and needed. Timiney Figueroa leads this song and she has a special gift for tugging at your heart when she leads ballads. “Grace Brought Me Back” was written specifically for Leandria Johnson; she drove this song and took it STRAIGHT to church! You can tell that there were some moments that were overdubbed, but Kurt had to keep much of her solo from the night of the recording.
For Fans Of
Richard Smallwood and Vision, Donnie McClurkin, Thomas Whitfield
Final Word
There is still a great need for the music of Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers! Bless Somebody Else is not a different "sound" for Kurt Carr, but there are new songs that will surely minster to become a staple for church choirs and praise teams.
Available on iTunes and Apple Music
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