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As a record executive, James Roberson fostered his L.A.-based JDI label up the gospel charts while also having the distinct pleasure of getting JDI named the #1 fastest-growing independent gospel label in the country. Reportedly, he singlehandedly groomed the success stories of Beverly Crawford, Norman Hutchins and Chester D.T. Baldwin. Like Tyscot Records co-founder and CEO, Dr. Leonard Scott, Roberson aims to add more to his resume than just being a shot caller by jumping into the recording arena. The big difference here from Scott is that Roberson has better pipes. Unfortunately for Roberson better vocals doesn’t mean a better album. While most of the songs on Everybody Dance pattern the enjoyable Jason White and Michael Bereal-produced formula and bolsters the same synergy from the JDI catalog, Roberson doesn’t bring the necessary urgency on the big up-tempo rockers when duty calls. He sails over the punchy rhythms using a safe, timid Donald Lawrence vocal. For instance, the single-released title track is a radio-friendly, disco kicker, but it only allows Roberson to play party MC.

Nonetheless, good moments are present. While using a prudent dose of sensitivity, he astonishingly leaves a good impression on the Diane Warren-styled, paint-by-numbers ballad “I Wanna Be More.” And the band, particularly on the live cuts, reminds us of Hutchins’ cool contemporary Cali-flavor on “Revive Us” and “Joy Unspeakable.” Still, with Roberson’s tepid vocal approach, the ten-minute JDI commercial stamped on the back of the project, and the way-too-short song reprises, the executive falls short of making the impressive splash he needs to be taken seriously as an artist.

Notable tracks: “I Wanna Be More,” “Joy Unspeakable,” “Praise the Lord” and “Revive Us”

By J. Matthew Cobb

Posted by Mista Cee on 13 Nov 2009 • 0 Comments