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When Kevin LeVar Gray first recorded "Good Things," the gospel love song was a regular staple on radio stations throughout his hometown of Washington , DC . So he thought that a record deal was imminent. He thus took a major career risk by leaving his long time lucrative day job in the public school system. Yet LeVar's wait towards bigger and better things was long indeed. But as the familiar saying goes, "good things come to those who wait." In 2003, LeVar (under the name of Kevin Gray) joined Dorinda Clark-Cole on her The Rose of Gospel disc for his original composition, "Everything He Promised." Things started to fall into place slowly but surely, and LeVar wrote more songs to encourage others through excruciating times. The following year, he wrote "We Will Not Forget," which was dedicated to the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and their families. Three years later, LeVar penned "You Are Not Alone" for the nearly three dozen who were
When Kevin LeVar Gray first recorded "Good Things," the gospel love song was a regular staple on radio stations throughout his hometown of Washington , DC . So he thought that a record deal was imminent. He thus took a major career risk by leaving his long time lucrative day job in the public school system. Yet LeVar's wait towards bigger and better things was long indeed. But as the familiar saying goes, "good things come to those who wait." In 2003, LeVar (under the name of Kevin Gray) joined Dorinda Clark-Cole on her The Rose of Gospel disc for his original composition, "Everything He Promised." Things started to fall into place slowly but surely, and LeVar wrote more songs to encourage others through excruciating times. The following year, he wrote "We Will Not Forget," which was dedicated to the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and their families. Three years later, LeVar penned "You Are Not Alone" for the nearly three dozen who were gunned down at Virginia Tech University .
In his first recording as soloist and worship leader, LeVar, with his group One Sound, presents Let's Come Together (which is a re-release of his 2008 debut), a very ambitious project recorded live in Dallas, Texas. "A Heart to Forgive" was written after witnessing friends and colleagues devastated by difficult circumstances, and LeVar's genuine vocal performance on that song is one of Let's Come Together's many memorable moments. "My Everything" adds a festive calypso mood and "Heaven Have Your Way" flows on a roots reggae rhythm. The ska/rock-driven "What Cha Know About Jesus" is a welcome change of pace for contemporary praise and worship. Finally, there is "You Are Not Alone" featuring another convicting performance by LeVar. There are a couple of disappointments ("Such an Awesome God" has too much filler and the melody on " Hiding Place " is contrived). But overall, Let's Get Together proves that LeVar's patience in reaching the national platform as a worship singer/songwriter was well worth the wait.
Music: 3.0 stars
Vocals: 3.5 stars
Lyrics: 3.0 stars
Production: 3.0 stars
SoulTracks Call: Recommended
By Peggy Oliver