Gospel jazz artist Cameron Ross' "Power" can't be contained

By Mona Austin

CD REVIEW

In observation of  Black Music Month, gospel jazz is a genre that definitely deserves attention, especially "Power," the new praise and worship instrumental jazz offering from saxophonist Cameron Ross.  Ross is somewhat a newcomer and I am happy to introduce him to those who have not had the pleasure of hearing "Our God," his latest single on the radio.  He has a high-quality product that I hope will reach as many ears as possible.  

It's a shame that, outside of my own music collection and online listening, the only time I hear gospel instrumental music is when I am walking the aisles of a Christian-owned Hobby Lobby store.  There are just not enough terrestrial radio stations that will play this type of music.  

"Power" intermingles two forms of music rooted in black culture with a spiritual passion. The collection of songs  are perfect for one-on-one time worshipping God or spending time with oneself for sheer relaxation.  Mostly praise and worship remakes, Ross interprets the songs with a distinct smooth jazz rack of layered sounds.  Songs like "Friend of God" (Israel & New Breed), "Glorious" (Martha Munizzi) and "Power" are the most upbeat and would be good to wake up to (maybe as an alarm ringtone.)  The remainder of the 13 tracks are mellow enough for drifting off to sleep. With the aid and soothing lure of the flute that opens "The Prayer" (Adrea Bocelli and Celine Dion) it is my lullaby pick. Cameron's carriage of the gospel classic "When the Saints Go to Worship" is heavenly.  It standouts because like the original the dynamics cause the listener to ascend to another dimension mentally.

I listened to the album and wanted another earful!  Not only do I want to hear more from Ross, but from other talented artists like him.  We -- the folk who enjoy gospel jazz --  have to support them to keep this type of content flowing, to grow their audience.  This album places Ross in the company of Harold Rayford, Ben Tankard, and Angela Christie, well established Christian instrumentalists who have long been at the top of a short list gospel jazz creators.  

I'll end this review with an appeal to the gospel jazz enthusiast.  By support, I mean not only must we purchase this incredible music, but also share it -- in the car, in the house, via social media.  Artists depend on the demand from people to keep their craft in the universe and for airplay.  We truly celebrate Black Music Month by investing in the music we consume so that more of it is produced? Don't keep all the acoustic goodness to yourself.  Ross' "Power," like the power of God to which it refers, cannot and should not be contained.  

Below, you can learn more about the artist and his new project:

Combining todays most popular Praise and Worship songs and original instrumental tunes, musician Cameron Ross uses his saxophone to create an atmosphere of worship and an engaging musical experience for audiences who love Christian and Jazz music.  The Arkansas native and music educator has released his independent sophomore album POWER to further expand his music ministry reach and to offer another gateway to worship.

POWER is an amalgamation of some of the best-loved Praise and Worship songs including “You Are Good”, “Glorious”, and Cameron’s Gospel radio single “Our God”.  Cameron puts his soothing stylings on contemporary gospel favorites “When The Saints Go To Worship” and “I Love The Lord”.  

Listen To "Our God"

Smooth jazz flutist Kim Scott is featured with Cameron on "The Prayer" which was originally performed by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion.  Joining Cameron on the high energy title track “Power” is his musical inspiration and world renowned saxophonist Donald Hayes. 

“Cameron is a great saxophonist. I was very honored to work with him on this record,"  says Donald Hayes.  "It was great to work with an artist that came from the same place as I do. I immediately identified and connected with that southern soul and history."

Cameron enlisted a stellar lineup of producers for his inspiring and soulful album. Johnathan Davenport, Dimitri Turner, Henry Walker offered their production skills along with Donyea Goodman who has produced and played for Fred Hammond, J Moss, James Fortune and many others. 

While he is only on his second album release, Cameron is seasoned in his ministry and musical art form.  He has performed with Grammy Award winning musician Kirk Whalum, J. Moss, Nick Colionne, Karen Clark, Ty Tribbett, and Ben Tankard.  He has delivered soul stirring renditions of the National Anthem at Memphis Grizzlies NBA games and has performed on TBN, The Word Network and the Bobby Jones Gospel Show. 

With POWER, Cameron created an album that allows listeners to immerse in worship and get steeped in great jazz music.  POWER is available on all digital music outlets.