Syreeta Thompson | In His Presence | TheUrbanMusicScene.com

Album Review: Syreeta Thompson | In His Presence
By Peggy Oliver

In
many gospel music circles, she is known as the Trumpet Lady. But there
is so much more to this gifted musician and teacher. Syreeta Thompson
has ministered alongside Pastor Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship
Choir and played with several jazz icons like Tito Puente and Wynton
Marsalis, one of her treasured mentors. And she has highly invested many
years since the age of twelve to perfect her musical discipline and
teach others along the way. After completing a Bachelor’s at Rutgers
University, Syreeta then furthered her talents with a Masters in jazz
and film scoring at New York University. Now an educator in her own
right, the Chicago native is presently the Department Chair at the
Cicely Tyson School for Fine Arts in East Orange, New Jersey, and has
served on the Gospel Music Workshop America Workshop (GMWA) faculty. She
is also on a growing list of highly respected and innovative female
jazz figures including Esperanza Spaulding and Regina Carter. While
growing up playing in church, Syreeta learned about how jazz and gospel
were fueled by musical passion, despite their structural differences.
But despite her consummate musicianship and her role as an educator,
Syreeta never has forsaken her faith in the process. Gabriel’s Praise
was a more than appropriate title for her 2004 debut release. This
praise and worship extravaganza from jazz to hip-hop showcased the
trumpeter/singer/songwriter’s extensive musicality and her pure joy in
honoring Jesus Christ with her voice. Several years have passed for this
current New York resident since Gabriel’s Praise but the Trumpet Lady returns back to her hometown for a live setting at Destiny Worship Center for In His Presence.

The
Church Medley presents powerful praise gems like “Bless the Wonderful
Name of Jesus” and is given the New Orleans celebrative treatment,
thanks to Syreeta’s majestic horn and strong alto voice. A reprise from
Gabriel’s Praise, “Victory,” drops a funky
contemporary gospel groove minus the original version’s rap break from
Demetrius. Amongst the up-tempo tracks, much of In His Presence
basks in precious worship. Though Syreeta’s keen musical sense is on
point during those moments (“You Still Love Me” and “God’s Grace”), she
never turns passive in her respect for God. “Great is Thy Faithfulness”
reveals the trumpeter’s classical training with a simple yet poignant
solo. Where In His Presence raises the bar is
exemplified on two pieces. Dewayne Woods’ usual exuberant tenor flows
all over “Make a Way” and the title track is a lesson in improvisation
without losing the focus of worship; matching Dorinda Clark-Cole’s vocal
dexterity with Syreeta’s remarkable jazz phrasing. Both ladies are more
than familiar with each other as Syreeta has ministered for Ms.
Clark-Cole’s ministry conferences.

There are a few
minor oversights; mostly with the tracks fading out way too soon and
all too familiar high-octane Praise Break which is more filler than
substance. That said, Syreeta capably balances worship and musicianship
throughout In His Presence and marries jazz and gospel in a satisfying manner.

Peggy Oliver

The Urban Music Scene