Introducing Ayiesha Woods (Compact Disc)

One part Alicia Keyes, one part Tracey Chapman, with a little Tasmin Archer thrown in for pop accessibility, Woods’ gravelly and soulful voice offers up an eclectic batch of songs, including examples of pop, soul and, even, rock. With production by David Mullen (Nicole C. Mullen), Ric Robbins and Otto Price (Out of Eden, GRITS) and Chris Stevens (tobyMac, Sanctus Real, Shawn McDonald), Introducing Ayiesha Woods is worth the wait. Gotee Director of A&R Jason S. King says that it’s her versatility that most sets her apart from the crowd. “She can play in a coffeehouse with an acoustic guitar, or she can go on tour with Donnie McClurkin and rock the house with a full band,” King explains. “It’s a very multi-faceted record. She has some nice R&B tunes--real funky and soulful. Then she has some songs that are way to the right, like ‘Happy’ which is going to be our first Christian single.”

John J. Thompson

Article Provided by CCMmagazine.com

Combining the best stylistic attributes of Sheryl Crow and Lenny Kravitz, Ayiesha Woods is a rock singer you need to know about. And her debut album—produced by Chris Stevens (tobyMac, Shawn McDonald), Otto Price (BarlowGirl, GRITS), Ric Robbins (Out of Eden, Sonicflood) and David Mullen (Nicole C. Mullen, End of the Spear soundtrack)—is a disc you need to hear.

Her duet with tobyMac on “Big Enough,” a lyrical reminder of God’s greatness, provides noteworthy insight into this new artist’s unique musical character. Much like tobyMac’s past work with dc talk, this track mixes rock’s edginess with soul power to create an undeniably affirming musical statement. Woods accents her phrasing with a likeable vocal rasp. But, rather than coming off like a gospel singer, such as Mavis Staples, her words often roar out like Melissa Etheridge in gritty, full-force gale mode. Nevertheless, Introducing Ayiesha Woods is about more than just a girl with guitars. “Crazy” jets along to a hot-stepping reggae beat, for instance, whereas “Days” throws in old school soul horns. Both of these spectrum-stretching selections reveal Woods to be comfortable in a variety of musical settings.

Woods’ primary lyrical message concerns contentment in Christ. “Happy” lays out a long list of Hollywood perks that cannot make a person truly happy; only a close relationship with Christ can do that. The closer, “What Matters Most,” finds Woods explaining: “You want to know how I am fulfilled/I tell you in doing my Father’s will.”

All successful rock singers make you believe every word they sing, and Introducing Ayiesha Woods leaves absolutely no doubts.

DAN MACINTOSH

Review Provided by CCMmagazine.com