print: GOSPEL MUSIC REVIEW: This Is The Day (Tracii Chinwah) | October, 2006 on BlackGospel.com

This Is The Day (Tracii Chinwah)
Vanguard

October 2006 on BlackGospel.com - Review by Jennifer Belot

Tracii Chinwah. There is something melodic and majestic within this name. A royal name that stands out denotes an artist certain to set herself apart both as a humble servant and psalmist for the Lord. Well, blond hair, a sultry voice, and a funky look are not all that set Tracii (with two i’s) apart in the crowd of artists sprouting up on the gospel music landscape. With a crisp sounding, professionally produced debut project that has incited industry heavyweights to sit up and take notice, newcomer, Tracii Chinwah is more than a feline beauty poised for the proverbial attack.

Having honed her musical chops from a young age, Tracii Chinwah took a family legacy of musical acumen and turned it into a vocational pursuit. Starting in a college choir, the young woman went on to become a member of the local standout - Mark White & The Chosen Generation - and further shared her talents with Darryl & LaTonya Blair, Tarralyn Ramsey, and the legendary Dorinda Clark-Cole and Karen Clark-Sheard as a background vocalist. Last year even saw her musical aspirations take a huge step forward as the featured soloist for Ford Motor Company’s East Coast “Simply Greater” radio & television campaign. Through all the success, Tracii never forgets her church roots and responsibilities and continues to serve as the assistant Minister of Music at City Temple SDA church in her native city - Dallas, Texas.

Teaming up with her husband, Madukwu Chinwah, the multi-platinum producer behind many of Erykah Badu’s early hits including 2002 R&B Song of the Year, Love of My Life, Tracii Chinwah has stepped to the forefront with her debut solo project entitled THIS IS THE DAY.

Testifying in a commanding voice, the musically rich title track is a church morning praise song for the more progressive tabernacles daring enough to embrace some serious contemporary urban praise, complete with an electronic guitar steadying the pace in the background (although the organ soothes the heartbeats of the more traditional folks in the pews).

Crossover tinged The Price, is the familiar prayer of one who is in awe of the love of God, a message reiterated in the track that follows suit. Starting on an orchestral wave, Savior is a beautiful ballad which evidences the smoky alto voice of Ms. Chinwah. The smooth melody is a continuation of the love song that precedes it as the lady croons “More than a savior, yes he is my friend, he’s right here beside me, through thick and through thin, if I knew back then what I know today, I would have given my heart right away”

It Took Someone is a transparent melody showcasing only the organ and the songstress in rare harmonic form as the she joins with her vocalists every so often to add an intimate flavor much in the style of Karen & Kiki in It’s Not Over.

Soulful Just To Know Him adds another dimension to the smooth sounds of Tracii as she is joined in an adorable duet with her husband and soulmate – Madukwu Chinwah – a melody that reiterates the placid lyric “To know him is to love him…” Another soulful number is Hold On in which the songstress encourages young people to stick it out in prayer and resist the temptation of earthly pursuits.

Beyond the music and the vocals, the poignancy of Why I Serve Him is found once again in the lyrical content which stirs the hearts of believers in remembrance of why we love Him so. “He took the chance and he saved my soul…that’s why I serve Him… There is none like you… so we lift our hands in adoration”

A familiar church hymn that has and will endure in all its reverent splendor is Holy, Holy Holy. The standard hymn is enriched by contemporized choral vocals that accompany Tracii in the repetition of that single word that embodies the Most High God, Holy.