RiZen CD Review - Kanika
Trigg, Aundrea Lewis, Ashley Jones, and Adriann Lewis
About RiZen's Music.....
Legendary Sanchez Harley, co-producer
of RiZen's Debut CD, has this to say about their music. "RiZen
has very strong church roots, and a strong traditional influence
in their music, but there are also a lot of diverse influences
you can hear in what they do. Rock, R & B, pop ballads are all
part of the mix, with a very high energy level throughout, and
it uniquely positions them to reach audiences that are both
older and younger, traditional and contemporary. I think this
album is a fusion of a broad range of Gospel music that covers
a lot of genres and eras."
Needless to say, "their amazing sound
of their dynamic Gospel music and electrifying stage presence
has created a buzz throughout the industry." RiZen has performed
with gospel legends Beverly Crawford, Shirley Caesar, Dr. Bobby
Jones and Albertina Walker. They have already been featured
on Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel Show and performed at the Annual Gospel
Music Workshop of America’s Board Meeting earlier this year.
RiZen was named the winner of the “New
Artist Spotlight” at the 2003 CBA Retailers Choice Awards, sponsored
by Christian Retailing magazine and held during the 2003 Christian
Booksellers Association International Convention. This award
is given to “a new group or performer who shows incredible talent
and promise and is sure to be one to keep your eye on in the
future.” RiZen’s performance during the awards program had the
industry crowd dancing and was considered by many to be a highlight
of the evening."
Gospel music superstar Hezekiah Walker,
who hosted this event, was impressed by RiZen."These young ladies
ministered at my church in New York City two weeks ago and blew
the roof off and the doors open!” commented Walker. “You will
definitely be OUT of your seat from the moment they hit the
stage.”
Vickie Winans says of the group, “RiZen
is a surprisingly powerful and refreshing addition to gospel
music. They are the type of group that stands out among the
pack! These girls will take you to church! They are explosive
and compelling on the stage."
“Wow! I cannot remember the last time
a group has affected me like RiZen,” commented Joyce Martin
McCollough of The Martins, who also performed during the event.
“Their beautiful smiles were contagious and the anointing was
so strong, it was electric. Their strong voices and choreography
brought the music alive and made me want to dance. As a matter
of fact, I did dance! I am a huge fan of these girls and cannot
wait to hear how God is going to bless their ministry."
Their Special Unique Style of Gospel
Music have been a huge blessing of hope and strength in Jesus
to others because of their high energy, heartfelt presentation
of the message and unique blend of different sounds of traditional
church Gospel, Rock, R & B and Pop. This powerful combination
of music and message reaches out to a wide range of people,
in a very exciting, energetic style which has together been
known to blow the roof off and the doors open, having the effect
of replacing the negativity, discouragement and self-pity many
have in their lives with the upbeat Hope, Faithfulness, and
Love we have in our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom believers
have many promises to hold them up and to look forward to, one
of them being eternal life in the heavenly city with Jesus.
Others Who Contributed Mightily to RiZen's
new CD:
Co-producer -- Sanchez Harley -- RiZen
is the premier artist on Sanchez Harley’s new label ChezMusique
and Light Records. Harley, a legendary, award-winning producer,
won two Dove Awards, has also produced three Grammy Award-winning
albums and six Stellar Award-winning albums through his original
production company, Chez Musical. Sanchez Harley has produced
more than 80 album projects, and was a former artist and writer
at Motown Records. Sanchez has worked with a list of mega-artists
that include Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Hezekiah Walker,
Daryl Coley, Kenny Rogers, Michael McDonald, John Hiatt, Patti
Austin and numerous GMWA Mass Choir recordings. His successes
in music can be found in both the secular and gospel genres
for nearly every major record label in the music industry. For
more information about Sanchez Harley or ChezMusique visit www.sanchezharley.com
or www.chezmusique.com.
Co-Producer -- The late Michael Robinson;
A talented man who is sorely missed. "Your gift is embedded
in every bar of this project. Your inspiration and memory keeps
us, we all long to see you." - Sanchez Harley.
AyRon Lewis - An up and coming Gospel music writer whose compositions
are well-represented on this CD. He directly wrote 5 songs,
co-wrote 3 songs; (two with sister Adriann, 1 with Myron Cobbs)
and contributed to 1 song - a total of 9 songs on RiZen CD.
Band Musicians... Terrance Chaney; organ.
* James Hodges; bass. * Lamar Carter; drums.* Jim Long; guitar.
* James Hodges; percussion.
This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed and
was blessed by RiZen's wonderful collection of diverse Gospel
songs which will lift the listener into a mood of praise and
worship of the Lord. This CD is a must for anyone's collection,
whether you are new to Gospel or a veteran listener. Their love
for the Lord is magnified in their vocals and unique form of
Gospel music, and their musical ministry for Jesus is just getting
started. They are truly "anointed by the Lord" to spread the
good news that we find in Jesus Christ, and remind us that we
can rely on our loving, faithful Lord who cares for us to see
us through any difficulty and bless us along the way through
our life.
CD Dedication: This debut CD of RiZen
was dedicated to "Our fallen brother, Mike Robinson, who has
RiZen to be with our Father. There are no words to express the
sadness in our hearts that you cannot share this moment in an
earthly celebration. However, we are ecstatic that you now enjoy
those "streets of Glory" every day.
SONGS -
* * * + LIFT UP JESUS - Words and Music
by Ay'Ron Lewis
A strong second favorite of this reviewer.
A great high energy, roof-raising praise and worship song to
start the CD off with big bang of excitement. Strong, effective
vocals supported by an accomplished contemporary Gospel band
with a full horn section sound, which give a stirring intro,
and fine support to a soul- stirring, spirit lifting song of
praise which takes the focus off self and onto our magnificent
Lord who loves us, cares for us and is always there on time
to comfort, strengthen and guide us through all our circumstances.
Song features nice subtle change in
composition between the Verses and the Chorus. Verses are smoother,
quieter, more melodious with nice piano, organ, guitar, soft
horn accents, which encourages self-reflection worship, while
the Chorus is more bouncy, lighter; snappy drums, horns join
in, reflecting pure praise.
As in most of these songs on this CD,
the VAMP is the explanation point to the song. Nice key changes,
dynamics, energy and spirited praise found in the lyrics, music,
performance makes this song to be foot stomping traditional
Gospel at its best.
"We are the praise team at our church,
so this is another Sunday morning standard for us. When we sing
this song, it's as if electricity is flowing through the church,
and people get excited! And that puts you in a mind and spirit
to think of all He's done for you, and to lift Him up and praise
Him for it."
Related Scripture References: (1 Peter
5:7, John 14:1, Psalm 27:1 & 18: 1-3, Deut. 12:18b)
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus: I've come to lift up Jesus,
Yes, I've come to lift Him up (Repeat)
1) Oh magnify the Lord with me. Exalt
his name together. From the rising of the sun. To the setting
of the same. He's worthy to be praised. You don't know like
I know, What the Lord has done for me. He took me through to
bring me out. Now I can shout without a doubt. Chorus.
2) Listen, He may not come when you want
Him, But He's always on time. Weeping my endure for a night.
But joy come in the morning light. You don't know like I know,
What the Lord has done for me. He picked me up and he turned
me around, Place my feet on solid ground. Chorus.
{Listen, we have a question for you -
(says to audience)
Bridge: What did you come here for? (Did you come to lift up
Jesus?) Did you come to lift Him up? What did you come here
for? (Did you come to shout for joy?) What did you come here
for? (Did you come to wave your hands?) What did you come here
for? (Did You come to praise the Lord?)
(Come on everybody, jump to your feet,
and lets give God some praise! Hallelujah!)
VAMP: I 've come to lift Him up (4 times),
I've come to clap my hands, my hands (4 times). I come to lift
my hands, my hands (4 times). I come to stomp my feet, my feet
(4 times). I come to shout for joy, for joy (4 times). We're
gonna clap and wave our hands. We're gonna jump and shout. 'Til
we lose our minds. (2 times) I come to Lift Him Up! Him up.
Come on, Come on, Come on!
Do you want to shout for joy? come on
let's shout! I'm going to shout for I come to shout for joy,
for joy (4 times). We're gonna clap and wave our hands. We're
gonna jump and shout. 'Til we lose our minds. (2 times) I come
to Lift Him Up! Him up. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus.
* * * TRUST AND NEVER DOUBT - Words and
Music by Ay'Ron Lewis
Church Gospel melded with a strong R
& B influence, mixed with easy 2 beat swing and a touch of soul
which is all put together in a delightful way in this song which
brings home the message the importance of trusting and depending
on the Lord, especially during hard times and trials that enter
our lives.
Vocals build nicely in intensity and
volume, at full strength by the VAMP, supported nicely by an
ensemble of piano, electric guitar, organ and percussion . Nice
R&B guitar solo to introduce the melody, and sets the rhythm
for the song. Nice background organ counter-melody. Piano work
is also well done.
Related Scripture References: (Romans
8:38, Matt.11:28-30, Matt. 17:20, Psalm 28:7 & Psalm 56:4)
Lyrical Samples:
1) There were times when I felt all alone.
Had no one to call my own. Then I heard of a man passing by.
They said He would make everything all right. If I only...
Chorus: Trust and never doubt Him (3
times). (Lead). He will make everything all right. Yes, He will
Make everything all right.
2) Troubles and trials. They seem to
get me down. Call my friends. They couldn't be found. But I
look to the hills. From whence cometh all of my help. All my
help, It cometh from the Lord. If I only....
Chorus VAMP - Ad lib - Trust Him, Never
doubt Him. Never doubt. Never doubt Him. Trust Him. Never doubt.
Trust Him. (Lead) He will make everything all right. Yes He
will. Trust and never doubt Him (3 times). Make everything
(3 times), all right.
* * * + VIEW THE CITY - Words and Music
by Ay'Ron Lewis / Adriann Lewis
The favorite song of this reviewer on
the CD. Organ and sing- preaching starts this song off in the
introduction, doing a great job to set the song's victorious
message. A traditional church "roof-raising song of worship
and praise" that really cooks in enthusiasm found in the composition,
driving Gospel beat, terrific vocals and back up vocals in full
harmony - Expresses beautifully the hope we have in eternal
life with Jesus, that at the end of our life on earth, we who
belong to Jesus Christ will go home to the heavenly city to
be with him and others who have passed before us, which is comforting
to those who have suffered a loss of a loved one.
Fantastic piano (especially during the
VAMP), most enjoyable organ, guitar and drum work, which really
cooks with zing and energy. Solid composition offers strong
support for the electric, spirit-filled vocals of the lead and
ensemble back-up vocals. The contributions of the musicians
and RiZen
Described as "stomping, shaking, roof-rattling
Gospel." Adriann says, "We consider that the national anthem
here at our church. We've been doing it for almost 10 years,
sometimes for 15 or 20 minutes. I love it because it gives you
an idea of what it's going to feel like when we reach heaven...
the walking, talking, singing, shouting. You can almost see
yourself there."
Related Scripture References: (Rev.21:2-4,
10-27, Is. 30:19, 2nd Cor. 5:1)
Lyrical Samples:
1)(Lead) I'm gonna view the holy city
one of these days. You know that I'm.....(backup vocals) I'm
gonna view that holy city one of these days. Hallelujah. I'm
gonna view that holy city, View that holy city one of these
days, one of these days. (Repeat).
2) I'm gonna sing and never get tired
one of these days. You know that I'm... I'm gonna sing and never
get tired one of these days. Hallelujah. I'm gonna sing and
never get tired, sing and never get tired one of these days,
one of these days. (Repeat).
Chorus:1 One of these days (One of these
days) 4x, I 'm I'm gonna view that holy city one of these days.
3)I going to walk the streets of Glory.
You Know that I'm...I'm gonna walk the streets of Glory one
of these days. Hallelujah. I'm gonna walk the streets of Glory,
Walk the streets of Glory one of these days, one of these days.
(Repeat).
4) I'm gonna shout my troubles over one
of these days, You Know that I'm...Chorus: I'm gonna shout my
troubles over one of these days. Hallelujah. I'm gonna shout
my troubles over, Shout my troubles over, one of these days,
one of these days. (Repeat).
chorus 2: One of these days, One of these
days,6x, I'm gonna have a talk with Jesus, tell him all about
my problems, hear my faithful cry, and answer by and by.
VAMP: I'm gonna view, I'm gonna view,
I'm gonna view, Yes I, I'm gonna view, I'm gonna view,I'm gonna
view, I'm gonna view that Holy City, shout my troubles over,
sing and never get tired, walk the streets of Glory, have a
little talk with Jesus, tell him about my problems, He'll hear
my faithful cry, and answer by and by.
I'm gonna view, I'm gonna view, I'm gonna
view, I'm gonna view, I'm gonna view, I'm gonna walk, I'm gonna
walk,I'm gonna walk, I'm gonna walk, I'm gonna sing, I'm gonna
sing, I'm gonna shout, I'm gonna shout, I'm gonna shout, I'm
gonna shout, I'm gonna walk, I'm gonna shout, I'm gonna sing,
I'm gonna shout, I'm gonna walk, shout, sing, shout (10x) I'm
gonna view, I'm gonna view, I'm gonna view, I'm gonna view that
Holy City one of these days.
* * * + YOU'VE DONE SO MUCH - Words and
Music by Ay'Ron Lewis
A lovely, uplifting worship hymn, expressing
the personal testimony of RiZen, which would inspire and bless
an multi-generational audience of any denomination that enjoys
contemporary music. Soft, lovely melodious introduction - acoustic
guitar, keyboard/organ, which supports the spoken intro, which
sets the worship mood of the hymn. Dynamics build nicely throughout
the song.
Related Scriptural References: (Psalm
103:1-3, John 3:16, 1 John 4:7-12, Romans 3:23-24, Is.53:5)
Sample of Lyrics -
1) God sent sent His son. They called
him Jesus Christ. He came to love , heal, and forgive. That's
why I know....
Chorus: You've done so much, For me not
to worship. You've done so much, For me not to worship, worship,
worship.
2) He went to Calvary, to save me from
my sins. Restored my soul and made me whole
Vamp: I lift my hands to worship (I lift
my hands to worship).
* * + WE WORSHIP YOU - Words and Music
by Ay'Ron Lewis
Another lovely, uplifting worship hymn
that would be at home in any denomination that enjoys contemporary
music.
Related Scriptural References: (Mark
12:30-33, Deut. 6:4-5, Romans 12:1, Hebrews 13:15)
Lyrical Samples:
We worship You, We worship You. All of
my worship, it belongs to You.
I enter this temple, to bask in your
presence. We worship You, We worship You. All of my worship,
it belongs to You.
With arms wide open (3x) Lord I worship
and adore Your holy name Lord. I give my life as a sacrifice
of praise. I give You my heart, my mind, my soul, my praise,
my money. Lord I give You my heart, my mind my soul, my praise,
my money. I am available, available, to You.
* * * JUST CAN'T TELL IT - Words and
Music by Ay'Ron Lewis
A Gospel-Rock song of victory and praise,
a favorite of the young and young at heart that really cooks!
Features a sharp, full horn sound, impressive piano and guitar
work, a driving rock beat which contributes mightily to the
zing and peppiness and joy of the song, fully supporting the
equally enthusiastic, well-done vocals of RiZen. The VAMP once
again is the explanation point of foot-stomping spirit- raising
enthusiasm permeating this song, as the rock gospel composition
is in full swing, sure to get one dancing around the room, praising
God for all the blessings in one's life.
Related Scriptural References: (John 3:16,
Romans 8:1-4, 1 Cor. 15:4-5, Psalm 103:1-3)
Sample of Lyrics:
Chorus: Hallelujah, Thank You Jesus.
You have been good to me, so good to me. Repeat
1) You made a way for all of us. By dying
on that sweet old rugged cross. I just can't tell it. All the
things you've done for me, I just can't tell it. How you set
my soul free, I just can't tell it, I just can't tell it. Chorus
2) I thank you Lord for all You've done.
Because of You the victory is won. All the things you've done
for me, I just can't tell it. How you set my soul free, I just
can't tell it, I just can't tell it. All the things you've done
for me, I just can't tell it. How you set my soul free, I just
can't tell it, I just can't tell it all.
Vamp: You've done so much for me, I just
can't tell it, I just can't tell it. You've done so much for
me, I just can't tell it, I just can't tell it all. So much
for me, I just can't tell it, I just can't tell it all..................
* * * + I LONG TO SEE YOU - Words and
Music by M. Eggerton, S. Harley, A Lewis, D. Huntsinger.
Another strong favorite of this reviewer.
A perfect gospel prayer hymn to listen to, when life has stressed
you out. A truly lovely, inspiring love letter to the Lord,
with not only moving lyrics expressing all the love in a human
heart for the Lord, but also a glorious melody dynamically brought
to life by the song's composition and truly inspiring vocals.
Piano and strings and the vocals work
together to lift the listener above the turmoil and stress,
to a new spiritual level, which uplifts the spirit, soothes
the soul as a peace descends upon the listener. Effective dynamics,
which roll and swirl throughout the composition, reaching a
peak at the VAMP.
Related Scriptural References: (John
14: 2-4, Deut. 6:5, Matthew 22: 37-39, Is. 61:10)
Sample of Lyrics:
Chorus: I long to see You, to be with
You. Anticipating your return to carry me, To a place that I
know You have prepared. Just for me where I know that I will
be free.
1) Lord I love you, From the debts of
my heart. All I do is for You.. I feel your presence. I want
to be just like You. I want to be where You are. Chorus.
Vamp: Lord I love You, Lord I praise
You. Hallelujah, Hallelujah. Chorus
Hook: Free for eternity. To praise you
for the victory. Lord I long to see You.
* * + TAKE CARE OF ME - Words and Music
by Ay'Ron Lewis and Adriann Lewis
Contemporary Gospel - with a nice blend
of R & B, and Pop, with a touch of Soul, nice full harmonies,
strong lead vocals. Guest vocalist, Ollie Woodson is excellent
with RiZen offering fine backup. Duet between Ollie and Adriann
during second half of song was very well done.
Related Scriptural References: (John
10:11 & 27-28, Romans 12:2, John 3:16, Psalm 56:11)
Sample of Lyrics:
1) Cried all night long, And I feel all
hope is gone. My world upside down. I'm going round and round.
Trying to find peace of mind. Couldn't find love, joy happiness.
In a world of sadness.
Chorus 1: Where is the light that shine?
Especially for you and me. There must be some help for me.
2) I'm living in world of sin. Searching
for peace within. Out here on my own. Things are still going
wrong. Tell me what's going on. There's trouble all around me.
I need someone to lead and guide me. Looking for that Savior,
Who can take care of me. Chorus 1
3) There is someone who sacrificed. For
your sin, he gave his life. He brings joy from despair. Just
read the word and stay in prayer. I want that man who was stretched
so wide. Hung his head, bled & died. He didn't come down.
He stayed right there, for everybody, everywhere.
Chorus 2: He is the light that shines,
that's going to take good care of me. He is the light that shines,
Especially for you and me.
Vamp: Jesus, He's gonna take good care
of me (repeat). Jesus, Take care of me. Jesus, Jehovah, Provider,
Healer, Take care of me (repeat).
* * * + IT'S MY TURN - Words and Music
by Myron Cobbs / Ay'Ron Lewis
Joyous Gospel praise song that is a Urban
Gospel, Hip-hop, Rock and R& B mix that will get you out of
any doldrums, negativity you may be experiencing, if it doesn't
get you up out of your seat, dancing around the room! Features
terrific syncopated counter melody played by accomplished horns,
guitars and piano, drums, keep the song cooking along. Strong,
enthusiastic vocals, carry the main melody beautifully in the
swing and spirit of the song. Guest vocalist - Chris McDonald
does an outstanding job leading the song and the harmonies and
vocals of RiZen are full of the Spirit.
Related Scriptural References: (John
14:14, Luke 11:9-10, Mark 11:24, 1 John 5: 14-15)
Sample of Lyrics:
Chorus: It's My Turn! (4x)
On the Grace of God I'm resting. Time
for me to reap my blessing. Yes, I believe it, I shall receive
it, I know the Lord will make a way, Not tomorrow, but today.
It's my Turn.
I'm standing on the promised. I know
he'll do just what he said. If God is for me. Who can be against
me. According to my faith, I know a blessing on the way. Chorus.
Vamp: My Blessing (3x's) It's on the
way. My healing (3x's) It's on the way. My Deliverance (3x's)
It's on the way. Whatever I want, Whatever I need, It's on the
way..................
* * * + IT WILL COME TO PASS - (Terry
Gullage)
The favorite Gospel hymn of this reviewer,
the perfect song to end the CD, as it lifts one up in the Spirit,
soothing the soul and bolsters one's faith that great Gospel
music has been known to do. A powerful, dynamic traditional
-contemporary Gospel hymn with a flowing melody - soaring vocals
and expressive piano work, which has the encouraging message
that if we stay in his word, trust in Him - Just have faith
and believe that He will provide for all your needs.
Song begins with just a flowing piano
and a single, expressive lead vocal through the first verse
up to the first singing of the chorus. As the dynamics begin
to build, starting with the chorus, other instruments enter,
organ, drums, guitar which provide support to the melody, rhythm
and supportive counter-melodies. Full harmony in the chorus.
Related Scriptural References: (Deut.
31:6, Is 41:10, {Psalm 46:1, & 37:4, &121: 5-8}, &
Romans 8:38-39)
Sample of Lyrics:
1) God said He'd supply all your needs,
According to His riches, in glory. And He is able to do just
what He said. Just acknowledge Him in all your ways. He is faithful
to His word, each and every day. He has nor forgotten you so
don't be dismayed.
For your way may seem hard, He'll give
you strength. To endure, I know His promise is sure. Oh just
study His word and be true. Remember what He's done for others.
He'll do the same for you, just wait on Him . And it will come
to pass.
Chorus: The Lord is right by your side. He's able to provide,
whatever you need. Just believe. And it will come to pass. The
Lord is right by your side. He's able to provide, whatever you
need. Just believe. And it will come to pass. (3x)
Vamp: God said He would do it. You can
trust Him. It will come to pass. Wait on Him. He's gonna do
it It will come to pass.... Your situation, He'll
see you through it, It will come to pass.......
Reviewed by: Julie Carr for ChristianMusic.com.
