Myron Butler & Levi | Revealed…Live In Dallas
Myron Butler & Levi – Revealed…Live in Dallas
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Asa well-respected producer and songwriter, Myron Butler’s powerful impact in gospel music has been widespread for over a decade. Many in the industry first got wind of Butler as the director of God’s Property,the group who made us want to ‘stomp.’ The Dallas, Texas-born jack of all trades was already a natural when it came to taking charge ofchoirs. When fellow Texas native Kirk Franklin witnessed some of GP’s performances, he was impressed with their enthusiasm. The invitation was then extended for the group to sing backgrounds on several occasions, including Franklin’s 2001, The Nu Nation Project,where Butler’s composition “Up Above My Head” was the disc’s ultimate highlight. Unfortunately the demise of GP was frustrating, yet various members eventually found their way to form Levi with Butler continuing at the leadership helm. There have been many other gospel luminaries who were equally as impressed like Franklin with Butler’s unsung talents: Kim Burrell, Smokie Norful, Yolanda Adams and Trin-i-tee 5:7,to name a few. But it was his humble beginnings as a teenager when Butler’s first song was published which got the ball rolling for this contemporary gospel guru.
“Lift Him Up,” Butler’s first major composition, was featured on the 1993 album Another Chance from DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) Mass Choir – who was co-organized by Savoy Records Executive Producer, Reverend Milton Biggham. Butler was also responsible for putting together a community choir while in high school. Those were both astonishing achievements considering Butler sincerely believed he had the calling from God at age ten to be an influential music minister. By the time he completed one year at Morehouse University in Atlanta, he decided to expand upon his gift after realizing a greater knowledge of God’s word. After establishing firm discipline in the art of songwriting, the spirit began to move in enormous ways. Even though Butler is a principal songwriter for Levi,he encourages the groups’ musicians and vocalists to contribute material so they can experience the process of writing a powerful song. Understandingly, Franklin’s bouncy approach has somewhat rubbed off of Butler & Levi’s, as exhibited in such hits as “Set Me Free,” – the title track off their 2005 debut, “Stronger”and “Jesus Saves” (both from the sophomore disc in 2007 – Stronger).
The opening track off Butler & Levi’s latest disc Revealed…Live in Dallas, “Revealed,” kicks off the festivities in a grand and funky eighties old-school style. Besides his songwriting capabilities, Butler possesses a smooth tenor voice which would fit comfortably on any urban music format. Taking us back further is the sixties retro jam, Just Can’t Live. Who else but TV’s Sunday Best’s‘cousin’ and ‘nephew’ Kirk Franklin could add a timely praise and worship sense as he frames the gorgeous choir hooks: “This is what it sounds like, this is what it feels like.” “Covered” presents that appreciated yet rarely heard syncopated percussive groove called the go-go beat (remember the 1978 hit “Busting Loose” by Chuck Brown &The Soul Searchers that started it all) which is right up Butler &Levi’s ally on “Covered.” A special big-up to drummer Robert Searight and percussionist Nathan Worth for nailing that complex beat. On the quieter side, “I Choose to Believe,” “Greatest Love” & “I Am God”are remarkable examples as to why Butler & Levi steadily navigate the contemporary gospel waters with effortless time changes, impeccable range and sincerity in their worship. Yet my pick for the Wow Factor Award: What could have turned into a cheesy version of the Cyndi Lauper signature hit, “Time After Time,” is transformed into a worship gem about God’s glory. The stumbles far outnumber the stellar work on Revealed:Butler’s attempt towards a pop structured arrangement of “Holy God” and“Moving Closer” which seems stagnant in places.
Now that Butler & Levi had their chance to experience their first live recording, Revealed…Live in Dallas is one of contemporary gospel’s exciting moments in2010. And Butler’s impact will continue to spread, whether in the foreground or background, as far as his Godly desires want him too.
Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene