Barry D.

“Born to Play

TAQA Records

10 tracks @ 44:55

Grade = C+

            Here’s a genre you’ll rarely find in contemporary Christian music: smooth jazz.

            Barry D. has won some awards and been a Dove Award nominee.  His calling is to write, record and perform music for God’s church.

            Barry says, “When I sit down to play, the music takes on many dimensions.”  With his new record, he’s “telling the story of my life-my hardships, my pain, my triumphs and victories.  It is a conversation I’m having with God, and I’m inviting the people to who hear the music to enter into that conversation.”

            Barry covers a couple of familiar songs, “Here I am to Worship” and “Holy Holy Holy.”

            As for the originals, they’re primarily instrumental.  I do not have a problem with jazz, in fact, my father produced a jazz liturgy back in the 1960s.  However,  I hear neither the stories of his life nor his conversation.  You might.  I could see playing this music during meditation or as background music during Bible study.

            Barry seems to understand this point when discussing his song “Fresh Wind.”  “Sometimes I feel like I get stuck on yesterday’s glory.  But yesterday is gone.  I need a fresh anointing.  I need a fresh dose of God’s presence today

            “I wrote ‘Fresh Wind’ based on that need.  You may not hear that in the melody. God might speak something completely different to you.  If he does, I hope you carry on your own conversation.  That’s what this music is all about.”

Rob S.

www.taqarecordsusa.com