By Michael P Coleman
Whether it be jazz, classical, gospel or otherwise, Robert E. Person’s name belongs on anyone’s list of brilliant vocal music interpreters. If you need proof of that, check out his new Classic Covers EP. It’s a perfectly entitled masterpiece.
I discovered Person’s new project during a search for new Christmas music. Classic Covers includes a jazz-steeped version of “My Favorite Things,” originally from The Sound Of Music and introduced as a Christmas song in 1965 by Diana Ross & The Supremes.
The new album also includes renditions of two classic R & B songs, The Stylistics’ “People Make The World Go ‘Round” and Stevie Wonder’s “Love’s In Need Of Love Today” — non-traditional choices for a singer who has been known as a gospel artist for most of the last 20 years.
During a refreshingly candid conversation, Person talked about the genesis of the new album. He also surprised me by discussing one of his personal demons, and by insisting that despite his unquestioned success singing gospel music, he had never envisioned himself as a gospel artist.
“I’ve always been a student and lover of music in general,” Person warmly shared during our EXCLUSIVE interview. “Music has always been a part of my life, even before college when I gained more of a respect for genres other than gospel and was able to study jazz and classical music, as well. On each of my albums, there’s been other material on them and an inspirational component, in addition to gospel music.”
“I say this carefully — because I have accepted the call on my life — but starting out, I never wanted to be a gospel artist. I didn’t want the responsibility of proclaiming the gospel. The next thing I knew, I’d done a whole gospel project. Four albums later, here’s the first one that’s not specifically gospel, but I will say that every song on this album has a wonderful message.”
Person is preaching the truth — both The Stylistics and Wonder covers are profoundly inspirational. That said, dyed-in-the-wool gospel fans might not be full satisfied until they hear Person’s take on Richard Smallwood’s “I Give You Praise,” featuring the gospel legend himself on acoustic piano.
“Richard is extremely humble,” Person shared of working with Smallwood. “When he came into the studio, he was like ‘It’s just me, guys. I’m just Richard.’ He reminded me that even our icons are still just people.”
“One of the biggest compliments I’ve ever received was Richard telling me that if he were to ever record that song again, he’d do it just like our version. I was in heaven.”
Person’s fans will be, too, when they hear it. “I Give Your Praise” is a sonic, anointed wonder. But it may be eclipsed by Person’s take on “Sarah,” a song from the Broadway musical Civil War.
“That song is based on a letter written by a Union soldier who’d been wounded,” Person recalled. “He knew he was going to die, and he wrote a love letter home to his wife and his two boys. This was during the pony express days, so by the time the letter got home to his wife, he had already died. The letter will bring tears to your eyes.”
I can believe that, because Person’s version of “Sarah” did just that — I teared up sitting in a Starbucks listening to it. The song is hauntingly beautiful, and showcases the singer’s penchant for a genre that can be quite different than the gospel music for which he is perhaps best known.
“I love musical theatre,” Person confirmed. “It has saved my life, having given me something to do in high school and college. They say idle hands are the devil’s workshop; musical theatre kept me busy. If I hadn’t had something to do, I could have followed another path.”
As I’d discovered Person’s Classic Covers project via his version of “My Favorite Things,” I couldn’t let him get away without discussing its inclusion on the new album.
“I really struggle with fear,” Person confided. “We can so quickly say that God didn’t give us the spirit of fear, but just because He didn’t give it to us, that doesn’t mean it’s not real. Fear is real — but there are ways to cope with it.”
“‘My Favorite Things’ in the musical was sung to Maria to calm her down from her fear,” Person continued. “In the movie, Marie sings it to the Van Trapp children during a thunderstorm. This song gives me the opportunity to minister with a song that’s not necessarily sacred. You think of your favorite things, you think of something happy, something that’s going to bring you joy, and it will help you face the fear.”
I don’t know about you, but I will never listen to “My Favorite Things” in the same way again. I will be listening for Robert E. Person’s name to be called on an upcoming Grammy or Tony Award broadcast. The man is a unquestioned vocal force, and something tells me many, many more people will come to know him as his journey continues. And this writer is looking forward to that ride.
Robert E. Person’s Classic Covers album is available via digital outlets everywhere. Information on the artist is at roberteperson.com
Connect with freelance writer Michael P Coleman at michaelpcoleman.com, of follow him on Twitter: @ColemanMichaelP.
