I am overwhelmed by the artistry bestowed upon psalmist, Micah Stampley.  Many music critics refer to the new Dexterity recording artist as an anointed psalmist for one indisputable reason; he adheres to the tradition of extending the call to worship with the saints of God.  In Micah’s own words, “The songs on this project cry out for people to return to the reason we were created – solely to worship Him.”

Born a child of prodigious musical gifts, Micah has been exercising his talents in capacities normally reserved for well-trained, seasoned adult musicians and musical directors since he was a little boy leading the choir in his father’s church in small-town Louisiana. With a multi-octave voice of staggering power and sensitivity, and a fluent writer’s hand, he has moved from relative obscurity to becoming Gospel’s most talked-about new artist.  He has served as the minister of music for Reverend Earl Johnson, Bishop Paul S. Morton, and is now the official psalmist for The Potter’s House pastored by Bishop TD Jakes.

Micah and his wife, Heidi, wrote all but three of the 10 songs on The Songbook of Micah (EMI Gospel).  The young artist says the songs are his exploration of redemption, worship and wholeness.  In listening to Micah sing the prayer entitled Take My Life, I am under the impression that I am watching the audition for the chorus of angels, as his voice transports us higher and higher in worship.

The underpinnings of his musical style are varied, as we are introduced to variations in Gospel, R&B, Rock, even Oriental influences.  Praise takes centre stage, as percussions and strings play up the resounding trumpets that underscore up-tempo hymn, Worthy To Be Praised, with Micah engaged in a passionate call and response with the accompanying choir.  He’s Great introduces listeners to the original complexities of Micah’s throaty tenor, which is complemented by a live band in a sound that is a welcomed change from the overly-synthesized projects of late.

In a sonorous mosaic, Micah explores various musical genres, from the bluesy throwback of the ole time religion, I Am Redeemed, to Sing, where impeccable instrumentality draws on Classical influences, to the jazz adlibs of At Your Heart’s Door and the imposing rock sounds of War Cry.  The raw expression of the instruments, both vocal and musical, is so complementary of the pathos of the lyrics that I welcome the familiar platitude which says that, “Music speaks a universal language.”

There is a distinct fluidity to The Well, as soft percussion bring us to warm nights in the Savannah, as the choir whispers promises to the Divine “never, ever gonna turn away from you Lord.”  That same tenderness is duplicated when Micah starts to adlib on traditional hymn, I Need Thee.  Accompanied only by an organist, I am not only drawn to his impressive vocal talent which shifts from barely audible to palpable audacity without warning, I am more so drawn to the voice of his heart.

Beneath Micah’s calm, almost demure exterior and beatific smile lies a smoldering intensity.   Not since Donnie McClurkin has such raw and transparent emotions poured from a male Gospel artist.  I am amazed by Micah’s palpable worshipful expression in song.  I will conclude my discourse with an undeniable statement of fact: Micah Stampley is an anointed psalmist and a man after God’s own heart.