Myron Williams | Thankful
Myron Williams – Thankful
Since
the inception of Juanita Bynum’s Flow Records a few years ago, Myron
Williams’ production stamp has graced the labels recordings, such as the
groundbreaking Gospel Goes Classical
with Bynum and Jonathan Butler. Before Flow Records spouted as one of
gospel’s pleasant surprises in 2006, Williams and his brother Demarcus
Williams directed MDM & Voices; one of many reasons why their
hometown of Dallas flourished with suburb youth choirs in the late
nineties along with God’s Property. Their contributions, I Found the Answer and That I May Know Him,
made a small dent via the independent company Myriad Records. But there
was more to come from this multi-gifted music minister.
Since
MDM & Voices, Myron has been a sought after figure on the national
level with Bishop T.D. Jakes & The Potters House Mass Choir, singing
“When My Season Comes,” and Kim Burrell, amongst others. Besides
serving as music director for Bynum, Williams was recently promoted as
CEO and President to Flow Records. This was not a revelation as Williams
and Bynum are very similar in their worship dynamics blending soulful
and classical music overtones. They are also more than acquainted with
each other’s gifts, teaming together on numerous occasions. Williams’
sweet vocal tones draw somewhat from suave soul stylist John Legend, but
he manages to be a focused worshipper at heart without resorting to
vocal hysterics or excessive nagging to make a scriptural point. His
debut solo disc, Made to Worship, produced a
fairly credible version of “I Can Only Imagine,” the mega Christian pop
hit from Mercy Me; and several duets with Bynum such as “Fall On Me.”
The tracks on the latest Flow Records disc, Thankful,
are deeply personal for Williams; inspired by the last year and half of
roller-coaster events. Williams stays the same course as Made to Worship focusing more on a rich soothing atmosphere. That said, Thankful
opens with the downright funkiness of “I Praise Your Name” with a
resounding horn section sandwiched in the middle. “Give Him Glory” is
another exception to the rule; dripping with down home country blues
church service. ”I Wanna Go” is clearly enveloped in the classical mode
with an operatic choir intro, piano sweeps and punctuation from Williams
and Reginald Strong Jr., and a spoken word from Taketa Williams about
overcoming the enemy from Isaiah 40:29: “He gives power to the faint and
increases the strength of him that hath no might.” Michael Bethaney’s
warm background harmonies and fretless bass by Dan Castillo frame “I’m
So Thankful.” “Your Face I Seek” hints a bit at seventies and eighties
sweet soul. Always reliable in covering material besides his own,
Williams chooses Hillsong Ministries’ “Any Crown”; remaining faithful to
the original version but with an extra boost of enthusiasm. In a brief
but fascinating testimonial during Worship, Williams speaks about his
son to illustrate how God picks us up with “every issue…every concern.”
Where Thankful thrives is with Williams’ intimate approach and intriguing melodies. At times though, Thankful
starts to lose a bit of steam. Two prime examples are the melodically
safe, “I’ll Do What It Takes”; and the overstretched “More Than
Anything,” where Williams explains to the live audience at Destiny
Church in Arlington, Texas that this is "cutting edge worship.: But in
reality, Williams’ ideas are not exactly rooted in cutting edge. He
simply has a natural ability to bring worshippers to a very special
place and on most accounts, Thankful takes care of business.
Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene
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