Kendra Carr | Unexpected Judah
Kendra Carr – Unexpected
Sometimes it can be a daunting task to create a riveting praise and worship studio atmosphere. But with Kendra Carr’s extensive background in both performance and ministry, it is a challenge that she meets with flying colors. Unexpected Judah is Carr’s national solo debut, where she shares everything the Lord has laid on her heart in the past three years. For those who are unfamiliar with Carr’s career, her recording debut was back in 2000 with a little known project entitled Yielded. Through the years as a seasoned background vocalist, Carr has worked alongside top gospel names including Darwin Hobbs and Daryl Coley. Her unmistakable voice that has moved worshippers for years is evident on the Dove Award nominated Praise In His Presence with Ann McCreary and Marvin Sapp; and the gospel star-filled CD featuring the youth choir Judah Generation. Both discs were released from
Undoubtedly her calling card is leading others into God’s presence, and Carr has never compromised from those desires since she first learned to sing. Carr began ministering at age three with her home church choir in
The second release, Unexpected Judah, should raise the awareness on a national scale for this versatile singer/songwriter and minister. Without exception, this disc from Commandment Entertainment is all about unadulterated praise and worship with sprinklings of energetic Latin, smooth jazz, R&B, pop, traditional and contemporary gospel and pop. The opening piece, “My Victory,” cuts right to the quick as Carr points to the source authority: “Promotion does not come from the east nor from the west, but it comes from above.” From the mid-tempo waltz of the first single “Only You” to the festive Brazilian flair all over “He Is”, Carr focuses on acknowledging God for who He is. On the later track, I admit the accordion was a special treat, especially since the instrument is rarely heard in gospel music. “He’ll Deliver” is old-school praise in action. The majestic choral arrangement and the different chord changes on “Reign In Me” brought even more life to the worship zone. This track is also my favorite moment on Unexpected Judah.
The absolute strength behind Unexpected Judah is Carr’s commanding vocal performances whether emitting a quiet spirit or evangelizing to the masses; much like those on her solos on the
Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene