print: GOSPEL MUSIC REVIEW: So Glad (Kevin Vasser) | September, 2006 on BlackGospel.com

So Glad / Kevin Vasser
EMI GOSPEL

September, 2006 on BlackGospel.com - Review by Em Fergusson

In a world where hurt and pain are everywhere, God sends us an absolute: something we can anchor our faith in. When God sends men like Kevin Vasser on the scene with a musical ministry to feed our often wearied souls, our faith can anchor and hold on to what God has promised us. The September 26^th release of So Glad is more than an album of worship: it is a visit to God’s spiritual sanctuary.

The deeply soulful album, recorded live in Vasser’s hometown of Chicago, IL at Pastor Charles Jenkins’ Fellowship Baptist Church, is a musical treasure. One classical ballad after the next carries a strong spiritual anointing that is palpable throughout the album. Vasser’s skilled vocals are impressive and add depth to his already impressive project.

Vasser is not necessarily a newcomer to Gospel music. He was the lead vocalist of the Chicago-based gospel group Youth Edition, comprised of his brother and two cousins, which released its respectable debut album, Anything Is Possible (MCA) back in 2000. So Glad is remarkably different from Youth Edition, and Vasser takes a different direction by composing and performing Worship & Praise ballads. All of the songs are deeply rooted in church chords, while promoting the message of entering into a prayerful abode with God.

You will not be disappointed with So Glad. Selections such as the inspired, Pray For Me, stirs the soul and beseeches the audience to pray. An emotional testimony of being delivered from a medical condition, due to prayer, accompanies this inspiring song.

Continuing with the same theme of God’s power and anointing in the hearts of those who will let Him in, can be heard on tracks such as the mid-tempo, rhythm-infused, Miracles, and the uplifting ballad, Show Us The Way. Vasser does not slow down, nor hold back on this album.

“I feel as though all I’ve been through has been a tremendous preparation for me,” says Vasser. “My father always taught me to not be an entertainer but a minister of the Gospel. I am really trying to make sure that through my music and ministry, people are touched to go in the right direction.”

The right direction for Vasser leads, inevitably, to fulfilling God’s designed path for his life. As he stepped out on faith, recording So Glad before signing his current deal with EMI Gospel, Minister Kevin determined in his heart to continue following God’s direction in his life.

This deep desire is expressed on the track, Best Praise; a tender, sweet-sounding ardent melody, with lyrics so meaningful, it draws you in. “Lord, I come to worship you/Lift my hands in honor and praise…dear Lord, I want to give you my best praise….” Following Best Praise, is the high-tempo, devoted track, Highest Praise. The song talks about waiting on miracles from God and giving Him praise while waiting on those miracles to manifest. Those are times that can be really difficult and oftentimes, people get discouraged. Highest Praise is an encouragement to press on and remain in a worshipful atmosphere, regardless of circumstances.

The centerpiece of this project is undeniably the last track, Your Name. The psalms-infused, praise exhortations are plentiful on this track. Once again, Vasser musically and spiritually steps out on faith, delivering a controlled, compelling performance reminiscent of prayer meetings.

The anointing is powerful on the album and Vasser does not deviate in steering away from the flow of the spiritual journey he has embarked upon.

“I try to stay in the anointing and He has allowed me to understand who I am and what my ministry is,” says Vasser.

Understanding where God has you and where He wants you is key to fulfilling His promise. Vasser is a living testimony that when God calls someone to do something for His Kingdom, multiple doors open to fulfill His perfect plan.

For more information on Kevin Vasser, visit his official website at www.kevinvasser.com.