Syreeta Thompson | In His Presence



Album Review: Syreeta Thompson | In His Presence
By Peggy Oliver

In many gospel music circles, she is known as the Trumpet Lady. But there is so much more to this gifted musician and teacher. Syreeta Thompson has ministered alongside Pastor Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir and played with several jazz icons like Tito Puente and Wynton Marsalis, one of her treasured mentors. And she has highly invested many years since the age of twelve to perfect her musical discipline and teach others along the way. After completing a Bachelor’s at Rutgers University, Syreeta then furthered her talents with a Masters in jazz and film scoring at New York University. Now an educator in her own right, the Chicago native is presently the Department Chair at the Cicely Tyson School for Fine Arts in East Orange, New Jersey, and has served on the Gospel Music Workshop America Workshop (GMWA) faculty. She is also on a growing list of highly respected and innovative female jazz figures including Esperanza Spaulding and Regina Carter. While growing up playing in church, Syreeta learned about how jazz and gospel were fueled by musical passion, despite their structural differences. But despite her consummate musicianship and her role as an educator, Syreeta never has forsaken her faith in the process. Gabriel’s Praise was a more than appropriate title for her 2004 debut release. This praise and worship extravaganza from jazz to hip-hop showcased the trumpeter/singer/songwriter’s extensive musicality and her pure joy in honoring Jesus Christ with her voice. Several years have passed for this current New York resident since Gabriel’s Praise but the Trumpet Lady returns back to her hometown for a live setting at Destiny Worship Center for In His Presence.
 
 
The Church Medley presents powerful praise gems like “Bless the Wonderful Name of Jesus” and is given the New Orleans celebrative treatment, thanks to Syreeta’s majestic horn and strong alto voice.  A reprise from Gabriel’s Praise, “Victory,” drops a funky contemporary gospel groove minus the original version’s rap break from Demetrius. Amongst the up-tempo tracks, much of In His Presence basks in precious worship. Though Syreeta’s keen musical sense is on point during those moments ("You Still Love Me" and "God’s Grace"), she never turns passive in her respect for God. “Great is Thy Faithfulness” reveals the trumpeter’s classical training with a simple yet poignant solo. Where In His Presence raises the bar is exemplified on two pieces. Dewayne Woods’ usual exuberant tenor flows all over “Make a Way” and the title track is a lesson in improvisation without losing the focus of worship; matching Dorinda Clark-Cole’s vocal dexterity with Syreeta’s remarkable jazz phrasing. Both ladies are more than familiar with each other as Syreeta has ministered for Ms. Clark-Cole’s ministry conferences.
 
There are a few minor oversights; mostly with the tracks fading out way too soon and all too familiar high-octane Praise Break which is more filler than substance. That said, Syreeta capably balances worship and musicianship throughout In His Presence and marries jazz and gospel in a satisfying manner.
 
Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene
 

Posted by Administration at 2/15/2011 10:35 AM
Categories: Gospel Jazz, Song Samples, Gospel
Tags: Song Samples Gospel Music
 

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