Rufus Troutman | All Things Are Possible
Rufus Troutman | All Things Are Possible
Rufus Troutman III is the nephew of R&B legend, the late Roger Troutman and formally a member of ZAPP. On this his second self-released CD, “All Things Are Possible”, {Rufus Troutman Ministries, LLC.}, he takes the classic sound his family pioneered to an even higher plateau. From the funky opening title track,“All Things Are Possible”, to the upbeat and festive closing track, “Eternal Security”, this Urban Contemporary Gospel project is a solid testament to the sheer talent of RT3 (As I will refer to him throughout this review). Let’s check out some of the highlights of this magnificent album and it will surely garner RT3 another Dove Award nomination, following his Dove Award nomination of his debut CD, 2001’s “No Compromise”, a CD I strongly recommend you check out.
On the album’s title track, and pretty much throughout the entire album, we hear the classic trademark Talk Box effect executed by RT3, and all instrumentation as well, in the ZAPPmodus operandi. Bouncy bass synth, handclaps, synth fills, talk box fused background vocals. The messages professed on this CD are ones of optimism, and if one were to put their trust in GOD, all things indeed are possible.
“Shake The Haters Off” {Feat. Arthur “ARTISON” Fritz on Rap}, with it’s Blues underlined melody, is a mid tempo’d track that features the K.C & The Sunshine Band rhythm guitar riff off “I Get Lifted” throughout. The lyrics are pretty much self explanatory in one should not let another person’s insecurity get in the way of your goals and ambitions. Artison’s rap adds a street vibe that’ll talk to the Hip Hop audience.
One of the many standout tracks is a beautiful song aptly titled, “I Love My Wife”. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist or an outspoken music critic, ahem, to know what the subject matter here is. In a day and time of rampant infidelity on both the man and woman, it’s refreshing to hear lyrics of an individual profess their love and admiration for their spouse, andRT3 made that point perfectly clear on this song. This great song features the sonically pleasing soprano sax stylings of a promising up and coming talent, J Boykin.
“He Was Crucified”, is a wonderful melodic performed Electric Piano, gently played synth stringed, light cymbal hit, song. Lyrics tell the story of how Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. It’ll certainly well up your eyes with tears as it has done to me listening to it.
“I Worship You”, is another slow down tempo’d track that starts off with a Synth Harp and J Boykins’ beautiful soprano sax accompaniment, which are the main instruments performed here. Light cymbals rides, shaker, and subtle background vocals round out a song that have many Gospel radio stations adding onto their playlists. RT3 sings a song how he worships Jesus that kept him focused, determined, and his willingness to serve HIM unconditionally.
“It’s Over” {Featuring Mrs. Shirley Murdock-DeGroat}, is a mellow and smoothed out track. You’ll hear a well performed Fender Rhodes piano, not overdone programming, keyboard fills, and a sound effect used extensively by Roger Troutman, particularly on H Town’s Roger produced 1996 single from the Martin Lawrence directed movie of the same name, “A Thin Line Between Love And Hate”. Shirley Murdock-DeGroat and RT3exchange vocal parts that are emotional and well performed. Simply a great song !!
On “Taking Authority”, RT3definitely delves into his ZAPP upbringing. On this Funky Bounced track, RT3 loudly and proudly declares he’s “taking authority”on the demons that thought they could intrude on his spirit fueled walk with GOD and that “No Weapon Formed Against Him Shall Prosper”.
Closing track, “Eternal Security”, is another party, head bopping song. Lyrics are sung of where one would like to be in the after life. RT3 does not come off as sounding preachy,but breaks it down in a language even the hardest and evilest person could relate …. or hope to. Nevertheless, it’s a song that’ll have you singing Jesus’ praises.
For more information on Rufus Troutman III, please visit his website at www.rufustroutman.com
I’d like to take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to the entire Troutman family, their close friends and associates, on the untimely passing of, still missed, Roger and Larry Troutman, as well as Roger’s son, Roger Jr. who was senselessly taken away from the world January 2003. Their spirits still lives on…
Respectfully,
Randy Mahon
The Urban Music Scene