Grateful
Lisa Weidman
Producer: Roger Talley
Song Titles: "The Lord Stood By Me," "So High," "Grateful," "God Says You Can," "His Tomb Wasn't Empty," "Only God Knows," "Rescue Me," "Been Through Enough," "Grace," and "Wherever You Are"
Lisa Weidman's project titled Grateful features ten tunes, including two pretty decent songs co-written by Weidman and producer Roger Talley . Four of the remaining eight tunes were popularized in the last few years by the Martins . . . "So High," "Only God Knows," "Grace," and "Wherever You Are." Unfortunately Weidman's performance and Talley's production are patterned too closely after the Martins versions. Even small characteristic details like Joyce Martin's "Woo" on the end of "Only God Knows" and the signature chord progression on the end of "Grace" have been copied.
Not all is negative, though. The music tracks for this recording are well executed. Top session players like Danny Crawford, Roger Fortner and David Johnson are consistent when it comes to producing great tracks. Lauren Talley can be heard providing background vocals. Weidman's vocal delivery is full and powerful . . . a bit like Sandi Patty's lower register in tone, though less refined. The graphic design is also good . . . the cover sports a simple layout, but lyrics are included and the print quality of the CD booklet is completely professional.
There's a lot to like about this recording. In the final analysis though, Grateful is hurt by the lack of originality. It is a classic example of a CD having almost everything going for it except one key area.
Rating: 3 Stars--- David Bruce Murray