Terry Davis
Columbus, Ohio, United States | INDIE
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A Songwriter’s Dream
by Terry Davis
Praise Place Music
With a little help from the Mt. Olivet Gospel Choir and guests too numerous to mention, Davis creates an environment that mirrors a live concert, but with the technical precision usually associated with a studio project on his debut CD, A Songwriter’s Dream.
Davis wastes no time setting the tone for the album with the opening call and response Gospel barnburner, “We’ve Come To Praise The Lord.” But while this is jump up and dance in the aisles music, but don’t get the idea that this project is all about celebration. Davis immediately pulls back into the gentle worship ballad, “Majesty,” and then segues into an equally majestic choral number, “Can’t Forget the Blessings.”
Davis moves back into celebratory territory on “Nobody Can Do It (Like He Can)” which is vaguely reminiscent of the Andrae Crouch classic, “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus,” and on the equally emotional, but more subdued, seven-minute monster track “It’s Natural To Praise the Lord.”
While traditional Gospel is the overriding genre on this CD, Davis proves equally adept at crafting smooth jazz numbers like “For All These Blessings and More,” and the sweet, acapella invitational, “Just As You Are.” A special treat is a solo performance from Davis’s mother, Dorothy, on “I’m so Grateful.”
Fans of traditional Gospel a la Kurt Carr Singers or Byron Cage will find a fresh voice in Terry Davis.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 19 February 2008 )
- Mike Parker, BuddyHollywood.com
Reviewed by "Dancin" Dave Derbyshire
In 2007, following on from the release of his single by the same name the year before, this Ohio-based singer produced this, his debut album. Here he succeeds in creating a fusion of praise and worship with gospel. This music minister, hailing from the Worship Centre of Central Ohio, has penned some pleasant and comforting lyrics through which God's truth shines out. But having said that this sounds like a lot of gospel worship music already out there. And after awhile, despite the smooth proficiency of the players and singers, the album's lack of distinctiveness drags it down. If you fancy your praise and worship with a lacing of soul and a hint of jazz then you might enjoy this album. - Dave Derbyshire for CrossRythyms.com.uk
SONICBIDS ARTIST REVIEW SERIES #26
TERRY DAVIS GENRE: GOSPEL
SECONDARY GENRE: URBAN/R&B COLUMBUS, OHIO USA
Terry Davis was born and raised in Vancouver, Washington in a God loving family. With his exposure to Jazz and Gospel by his parents, Davis started singing at an early age at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon. This is where his self-taught piano and vocal skills developed, leading him to a mission of teaching harmony, first with the, New Hope's Angel Choir.
As Davis's musical and song writing prowess began to flourish, recognition came his way, eventually leading to numerous choir's and artists performing and recording his compositions. From the Portland Mass Choir to the Northwest Community Gospel Chorus for the Oregon Symphony's "Gospel Christmas". Davis has worked with some well-known artists in the gospel field including, Thomas Whitfield, Jeffry LaValley, and Rev. Milton Biggham. In addition to these collaborations Terry is influenced by Stevie Wonder, Alex Bugnon, Joe Sample and Rodney Franklin.
Terry's hope is that God will help take his music all over the world to encourage believers, witness to the lost, and bring glory to God for the talents bestowed upon him.His debut CD release this month, A SONGWRITER'S DREAM (DEC. 2007), is a consistently inspiring collection of well-written gospel songs with a lot of soul. The production and musicianship is top notch. The choir belts their hearts and souls out on every selection. On, "You Keep Giving Again", Terry Davis's voice is silky smooth, with a Stevie Wonder quality to the sound and arrangement. "The upbeat, foot-stompin', hand-clappin', God lovin', "Nobody Can Do It", would move any church or gathering. The lyrics are direct and moving.
You can find his song on his EPK at www.sonicbids.com/TerryDavis Nobody Can Do It (Like He Can)Written by: Terry Davis VERSE I - Taking a life, setting it free - Break the chains of sin and give liberty - Fill one's heart with unconditional love - Give you divine direction from up above CHORUS: Nobody can do it like He can (3x) - Jesus Christ VERSE II: Fill you with joy when you're in sorrow - Change your future for a bright tomorrow - He gives sweet peace deep down within - And when your reserve runs out - His backup will kick in BRIDG: Exceedingly, abundantly God can fill the need in your life - When you pray in faith believing - Before you know it Your blessing you'll be receiving TAG: Nobody can do you like Jesus - There's just nobody Nobody like Him (Copyright„ ¶1998 Terry Davis/Praise Place MusicALL RIGHTS RESERVED)
The soft, gentle, soulful "It's Natural To Praise The Lord" is delightful. I can hear an Earth, Wind and Fire influence, especially with the Phillip Bailey sounding vocals. The message is still, at the center as it should be. The keyboards are played with passion. The melody is enchanting. One of my favorite selections is the Wonder grooving, "Hold To His Hand". The beat moves along on a soul train of faith. The choir is entertainingly arranged. It's all choir for the first minute, then slows down temporarily for Davis to start singing along. Back to the choir chorus and Davis vocal fills, to a fun-filled and expertly arranged ending.With the overall talent and determination of Terry Davis, I have the faith that he will reach all of God's goals and then some.
Go see for yourself on February 16, 2008, at the Festival Sundiata@Seattle Center in Washington. Until then pick up a copy of his cd at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davisterry2.
Article by John Tenting
- John Tenting - World Voice Report
SONICBIDS ARTIST REVIEW SERIES #26
TERRY DAVIS GENRE: GOSPEL
SECONDARY GENRE: URBAN/R&B COLUMBUS, OHIO USA
Terry Davis was born and raised in Vancouver, Washington in a God loving family. With his exposure to Jazz and Gospel by his parents, Davis started singing at an early age at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon. This is where his self-taught piano and vocal skills developed, leading him to a mission of teaching harmony, first with the, New Hope's Angel Choir.
As Davis's musical and song writing prowess began to flourish, recognition came his way, eventually leading to numerous choir's and artists performing and recording his compositions. From the Portland Mass Choir to the Northwest Community Gospel Chorus for the Oregon Symphony's "Gospel Christmas". Davis has worked with some well-known artists in the gospel field including, Thomas Whitfield, Jeffry LaValley, and Rev. Milton Biggham. In addition to these collaborations Terry is influenced by Stevie Wonder, Alex Bugnon, Joe Sample and Rodney Franklin.
Terry's hope is that God will help take his music all over the world to encourage believers, witness to the lost, and bring glory to God for the talents bestowed upon him.His debut CD release this month, A SONGWRITER'S DREAM (DEC. 2007), is a consistently inspiring collection of well-written gospel songs with a lot of soul. The production and musicianship is top notch. The choir belts their hearts and souls out on every selection. On, "You Keep Giving Again", Terry Davis's voice is silky smooth, with a Stevie Wonder quality to the sound and arrangement. "The upbeat, foot-stompin', hand-clappin', God lovin', "Nobody Can Do It", would move any church or gathering. The lyrics are direct and moving.
You can find his song on his EPK at www.sonicbids.com/TerryDavis Nobody Can Do It (Like He Can)Written by: Terry Davis VERSE I - Taking a life, setting it free - Break the chains of sin and give liberty - Fill one's heart with unconditional love - Give you divine direction from up above CHORUS: Nobody can do it like He can (3x) - Jesus Christ VERSE II: Fill you with joy when you're in sorrow - Change your future for a bright tomorrow - He gives sweet peace deep down within - And when your reserve runs out - His backup will kick in BRIDG: Exceedingly, abundantly God can fill the need in your life - When you pray in faith believing - Before you know it Your blessing you'll be receiving TAG: Nobody can do you like Jesus - There's just nobody Nobody like Him (Copyright„ ¶1998 Terry Davis/Praise Place MusicALL RIGHTS RESERVED)
The soft, gentle, soulful "It's Natural To Praise The Lord" is delightful. I can hear an Earth, Wind and Fire influence, especially with the Phillip Bailey sounding vocals. The message is still, at the center as it should be. The keyboards are played with passion. The melody is enchanting. One of my favorite selections is the Wonder grooving, "Hold To His Hand". The beat moves along on a soul train of faith. The choir is entertainingly arranged. It's all choir for the first minute, then slows down temporarily for Davis to start singing along. Back to the choir chorus and Davis vocal fills, to a fun-filled and expertly arranged ending.With the overall talent and determination of Terry Davis, I have the faith that he will reach all of God's goals and then some.
Go see for yourself on February 16, 2008, at the Festival Sundiata@Seattle Center in Washington. Until then pick up a copy of his cd at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/davisterry2.
Article by John Tenting
- John Tenting - World Voice Report
Discography
A SONGWRITER'S DREAM (debut CD released /12/07)
Music written by Terry Davis on various recordings:
- DELIVERANCE IS ON THE WAY
Portland Mass Choir (1995)
GMWA Youth Mass Choir (2000)
- HEART OF REPENTANCE
Portland Mass Choir (1995)
- CAN'T FORGET THE BLESSINGS (1994)
Pacific Northwest Mass Choir
- GRACE ONE MORE TIME (1996)
Minister David Hart & B. A. S. I. C.
- YOU'RE THE INSPIRATION IN MY LIFE (1995)
New Song Church
- SHOW ME YOUR WILL (1998)
- FOR YOUR GLORY, LORD (2001)
GMWA Youth Mass Choir
Photos
Bio
Born in Vancouver, Washington to parents Bobby & Dorothy Davis, Terry grew up in a very musical environment along with his sister, Marla influenced by his Dad's love of Jazz and Mom's love of Gospel music.
While yet young, Terry began singing at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon where he started the course for his musical journey. Being blessed with the gift to hear & teach harmony at a young age, he began directing New Hope's Angel Choir for a period, and then in 1978, God anointed and added to Terry the gift to play the piano by ear (without formal training). Now able to play, Terry worked with the choirs of New Hope and other community/workshop choirs in the Portland-Vancouver area.
In 1983 Terry's genesis as a songwriter began to emerge. Since that time, he's been blessed to share his music on a local, regional, and national level. Terry's music has been performed or recorded by artists such as Portland Mass Choir (1995), Pacific Northwest Mass Choir (1994), New Song Church (1995), Minister David Hart & BASIC (1996), GMWA Youth Mass Choir (1998, 2000, 2001), GMWA Men of Promise (2002), and the Northwest Community Gospel Chorus for the Oregon Symphony's "Gospel Christmas."
Terry's also been privileged to work alongside some well-known artists in the Gospel industry such as Thomas Whitfield, Jeffrey LaValley, Rev. Milton Biggham, Rickey Grundy, David Curry, Helen Stephens, Dr. Margaret Douroux, the late Dr. Charles Fold, and LaShun Pace.
Terry first acknowledges the Lord for the many opportunities to share his musical gifts; family and friends for encouragement and prayers, and also his musical mentors Thomas Whitfield and Jeffrey LaValley for inspring him as a songwriter and musician. Terry also draws musical influences from artists Stevie Wonder, Alex Bugnon, Joe Sample, and Rodney Franklin.
In 2001, Terry made the move eastward to Columbus, Ohio to serve as Second Baptist Church's Minister of Music. Later that year, he met his soulmate Jennifer Hammond, and the two became one in June 2003. Terry continues his GMWA ties as a member of the Columbus Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, and has been featured as a instructor for the Columbus Children's Music Ministry Workers Conference, guest songwriter and musician for the New Salem Baptist Church live recording "We Win" (2001), and Columbus Citywide Mass Choir concert in December 2004.
Terry currently serves as Minister of Music for the Worship Center of Central Ohio (Apostle David S. Carter, Pastor), and Music Director for Ohio Wesleyan University's Gospel Lyres. He also started his music business, Praise Place Music, and recently released his debut CD "A Songwriter's Dream" in April 2007.
Terry's desire is to see God take his music all over the US and the world to encourage believers, witness to the lost, and most of all, bring God glory, praise, and honor for giving to him the gift of music.
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