MISSION STATEMENT: GOD: Life With You - Everything... Life Without
You - Nothing.
"I think we're in a time where we need to minister to the church;
but also go beyond those walls. I want to minister to all of God's
children. I would hope someone who didn't know the Lord would
pick up this album and be drawn in by it to where they realize
there's more going on than what's on the surface, and they want
to dig deeper and move in a direction they may never have moved
in before. I want it to be convicting...but convicting with love
and hope. What's old becomes new, and what's new becomes old,
but God's message ---and His love---never changes." - Percy Bady
THE PERCY BADY EXPERIENCE.........................
Concerning this first solo Gospel music CD, which is considered
both traditional and contemporary, Percy says, " This is not so
much me trying to start a career as an artist as it is simply
having something to say and my own way of saying it. My whole
concept was to make a classy album that was part nostalgia and
yet still very much today. I come from a more traditional background,
but my exposure over the years has been so broad that I wanted
to make sure this album encompassed everything that I like, as
well as things that I knew would move other people. I didn't want
to omit anybody. I didn't want it to be all one thing or another.
I want people to feel that by the time they finish listening to
it, they've been on an experience."
Being totally responsible for his own project was challenging
but fulfilling as he took on dual roles of artist / producer,
an experience that he felt blessed by the Lord in doing, which
always happens in following the Lord into ministry projects that
He has planned specifically for us. Again inspired, empowered
by the Holy Spirit, Percy brilliantly put together 10 of his own
songs to bring Percy's message of outreach and hope, that we have
in Jesus Christ, no matter what is going on in our lives. "The
Percy Bady Experience is about so many things. It's about laughter,
it's about joy, it's about pain, it's about tears, it's about
love, it's about how good God is despite sometimes how bad we
are. And I'm just blessed to have this opportunity to share this
with you...this is my experience." - Percy Bady
This reviewer has found that the songs on this CD are the perfect
remedy for a tough day, moments of discouragement, the anguish
of having to make tough choices, other forms of stress and strife
encountered in our lives, and trials that bring one down, burdening
the heart and soul. Percy has put together a classic collection
of a wide variety of his gospel songs that are unique and special
in their own right, which all point to the hope, joy, comfort,
strength we have in Jesus Christ, making this a CD a MUST in anyone's
Christian music collection. The songs transcend genre barriers,
and will uplift, comfort, and inspire people of all generations
and musical tastes.
Percy Bady ends his CD in a unique way. At the end of the CD,
Percy Bady has also included Accompaniment Tracks of three songs,
to make the Percy Bady Experience complete and real so people
can get involved in the music themselves through singing the songs
for church, some special event. Also, people will have the chance
to record their own vocals on three songs during an upcoming contest
to be sponsored by GOSPO Centric Records. This extension of the
Percy Bady experience includes the musical instrumentation and
back-up vocals in these songs, I'LL KEEP HOLDING ON, GONE BUT
NOT FORGOTTEN, and UM GOOD.
CD Dedication: "God, Your love is so amazing! Thank you for
using me even when I didn't understand the path You had me on.
May I never forget to honor You in all I write, sing, play and
produce. God, Life With You EVERYTHING..... Life Without You.....NOTHING."
- Percy Bady.
SONGS on THE PERCY BADY EXPERIENCE: The Experience is Love....The
Experience is Everlasting..................
Note: (I found that I couldn't choose the favorite song of mine
on this CD, but instead have a group of favorite songs, rated
* * * +)
. * * * + MEDLEY: SONGS THAT BROUGHT US THROUGH - Words and Music,
Piano / Rhodes by Percy Bady
A favorite of this reviewer. The CD starts off on a strong uplifting
note, with this perfect, well put together medley of songs, which
offer encouragement and comfort for discouraging moments in our
faith walk in ministry, hard choices, painful trials, and senseless
losses. These are songs which remind us of the Lord's promises
and the fact that we are not alone in our challenges we experience
in our every day lives.
Percy comments, "These are songs that so many people have told
me meant a great deal to them over the years, and that they would
love to hear me actually do myself. I think people hear them and
it's a reminder of where they were when they first heard this
music, and where they are now. Sometimes it's hard to know where
you are if you don't stop and remember where you've come from."
* * * + A) THERE IS HOPE - Words and Music by Percy Bady - Vocals
by Percy Bady.
The horn accents in the beginning of the song grab one's attention,
then the composition quiets down to a very pretty acoustical guitar
and piano introduction with broken chords and counter melody to
support the main melody. Light strings join the piano and guitar
which all softly support the main vocals with chords and counter
melody until chorus. Dynamics swell, with entrance of choir, light
percussion.
A lovely contemporary/ traditional Gospel hymn, with expressive
vocals, that reminds us that the Lord is in control, and that
He sees and hears and knows all and has a plan which is unstoppable
by any evil man can devise. Our personal ministry is to go where
He leads us, trust and obey His will and depend on Him in all
things, as we in our own calling spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Scriptural References: (2nd Cor. 12:9, Psalm 46:1, Phil. 4:6,7)
Lyrical Sample:
1) Now we ask this question. Is there any hope for the world
in its condition. We're at the end of the rope. It seems that
all of our efforts to restore the world of love, have fallen short
of measure and only God above can change the world change the
world.
Chorus: Yes, there's hope for the world. An answer for the world,
not need to worry or doubt, (It will work out). No need to give
up our hope, for as sure as there is God..... Segues into...
* * + B) LORD I BELIEVE - Words and Music, keyboards by Percy
Bady, - Vocals by Darius Brooks
A melodious prayer hymn, which is an affirmation of faith on
what the Lord has promised us. Flowing melody, lyrics, and vocals
nicely supported by piano, keyboards, and strings, some very nice
acoustical guitar support.
Related Scriptural References: (Galations 3:11, Ephesians 6:16,
Hebrews 10:13, Hebrews 11:6, 2 Chr.20:20)
Lyrical Sample:
I am standing on the promises of Jesus, and I believe He will
do just what He said. And now there's no more doubt and disbelief
that keeps causing my faith to decrease all the more.
Chorus: Lord I believe. Lord I believe, I believe that all things
are possible, Lord I believe.
* * * C) CAN'T LOOK BACK NOW - Words, Music, and keyboards by
Percy Bady Vocals by Yvette Williams (Mrs. Tonex)
A wonderful combination of piano, keyboards, and acoustic guitar
accents and counter melody, strings, organ accents. Nice dynamic
build to chorus, when backup vocals come in, offering find support
to strong, expressive vocals, which are dynamically effective,
bringing to life the expressive emotion of the lyrics.
Scriptural References: (Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 27:1, Hebrews 10:13)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Even though sometimes I don't understand, still I must hold
to His hand. In the midst of it all I'll stand strong. I'll stand
tall cause I can't forget how.
Chorus: You brought me, You taught me. You keep me and never
left me. Said I know I've make mistakes in my life but I can't
look back now.
* * * D) LOVE SAID NOT SO - Words and Music by Percy Bady - Vocals
by BeBe Winans & Shaundra Dixon
Another favorite of this reviewer. A positive, heart-felt testimony
to the guiding and fortifying force of God's Love. Expressive
Piano and keyboards offer fine support to lovely melody and heart-felt
vocals by BeBe Winans & Shaundra Dixon.
Scriptural References: (Romans 8:26, 8:35-38, Psalm 27:1)
Lyrical Sample:
1) Life was bitter to the core there was nothing to live for
until Love came. Even second times around, happiness could not
be found, until Love came. Life was bitter to the core, there
was nothing to live for until Love came. Even second times around,
happiness could not be found until Love came.
Bridge: I was left all alone (heart was breaking), Fault was
my own (soul was aching) Tears covered me (weeping thru the whole
night) And I need some relief (joy comes in the morning) I've
been searching for (many years now) The keys to life's door (need
to know how) Brought to my knees, (Savior can you help me).
Chorus: Left to believe, His love told me love said not so.
Even with the odds against me, Love showed me. Love said not so,
keep on holding on. Love showed me love said no, Love told me
don't let go, Love showed me Love said not so.
* * + THE HOLY GHOST - Words and Music by Percy Bady - Vocals
by Leanne Faine.
A great, energetic traditional Gospel praise song of celebration
guaranteed to lift your spirits and may even get one dancing around
the room! When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior,
we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. We then have the indwelling
Holy Spirit to guide us, strengthen us, lead us through anything
we are experiencing, because the Lord is ever faithful and has
given us a councilor in the form of the Holy Spirit.
Leanne Faine brings the song to life with her spirit-filled vocals,
in the fine tradition of Gospel church music, backed up by a fine
choir. Supportive music accompaniment cooks, offering strong support
to Leanne's energetic, heart-felt vocals. Scriptural References:
(John 14:17-18, 1 John 1: 7, 9)
Lyrical Samples:
1) It was early, one morning, just about the break of day, when
Jesus came in the room and touched me, Washed these old sins away.
I got happy. I started shouting, I found no time for doubting,
I tell you that I felt... Chorus: Nothing but the Holy Ghost,
But the Holy Ghost (vamp) The Holy Ghost , Moving down in my soul.
Moving (4x) The Holy Ghost.
* * * IT WAS LOVE - Words and Music by Percy Bady & DJ Rogers,
Keyboards & programming by Percy Bady - Vocals by Ray Bady, DJ
Rogers, and Dawkins & Dawkins.
Song is described as being "irresistibly catchy pop/R&B." Perky
percussion programing, and subtle music composition are perfectly
blended, offering strong support for the heart-felt, uplifting
lyrics and vocals. Nice use of keyboards and strings, offer various
counter melodies and chord support. Ray Bady's opening sweet vocals
in the first stanza start the song off on the right foot. All
vocal solos were well-done, bring the spirit of the song to life.
Scriptural References: (Ephesians 2:7-8, & 3:17-18, I John 4:19,
Hebrews 13:5-6)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Now it was Love, that woke me up early this morning. It was
Love that started me on my way (Lord have mercy y'all). It was
Love that put more than a menu on my table (talk on, talk on).
It was Love that let me see another day. OOOH Chorus: It was nothing
that I done, (that I done), To deserve such a love like this (I
wish, I wish). I wish the world would come to know (I wish, I
wish). I wish the Lord He loves us so (Love). I thank You for
Your (Love). Grateful for Your (Love) (Grateful) (Love). How I
need Your (Love) Love (Love). I understand we were made to (Love)
(Love). Teaches us how to (Love, Love Love).
2) It was Love, that kept me from hurt, harm, and danger. And
it was Love that kept me when I lost my way. It was Love that
lifted me when nothing else would do (do ooh). It was sho'nuff
Love that covered me when I was going thru (When I was going through).
Chorus 2: Who was there when your back (back was against the
wall)? Love (Love) It was Love Love (Love) Love (Love) Who was
there when all haters said you'll never stand tall? Who was there
when you felt down and out? Love (Love) It was Love Love (Love)
Love (Love). And gave you strength to make it. Now you can dance
and shout.
* * * + YOU OUGHTA BEEN THERE - Words and Music by Percy Bady
& Warren Campbell. Lead vocals by Percy Bady and Teddy Campbell,
The Soul Seekers.
Another favorite of this reviewer. A Gospel praise song that
really cooks with a syncopated rhythm / melody brought to life
in a big way by a sharp horn/sax section, driving percussion,
funky guitar work and inspired vocals full of joy of the Lord,
Gospel style, describing a born again conversion, after accepting
Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and asking Him into his heart
. Percy comments, "It's got that classic, funky groove happening
with Gospel quartet influenced vocals. I think it's something
that's both new and old. It's contemporary, but I also feel a
need to get back to songs that people can hear, and sing along
with, and really hang onto."
Scriptural References: (Romans 10:13, Proverb 3:5-6, 1 Peter
1:3, Col. 2:6)
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus: You oughta been there, when Jesus saved my soul. You
oughta been there, when Jesus made me whole. You oughta been there,
when Jesus washed me clean. You oughta been there, when the Holy
Ghost fell on me.
1) Listen, it was one Friday evening, when I met the Lord. Gave
Him my heart, and I made Him my choice. It was the best thing
that could've happened to me. Once I was blind but right now I
see. Chorus.
2) He snatched me out of the muck and miry clay. That ain't
all He's done for me. He washed my sins away. Placed my feet on
straight street. Now I'm walkin' right. It was King Jesus that
made a difference in my life. Chorus.
VAMP: You oughta been there. When I went down, when I came up.
You oughta been there. Oh you oughta been there. You oughta been
there.
* * * GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN - Words and Music, Piano and Vocals
by Percy Bady. Strings by Larry Gold & The Studio.
A solemn, beautiful song, carried by flowing piano accompaniment
and strings, with heart-felt vocals sure to comfort those who
have lost someone who has gone home to be with the Lord. (John
14:2). Percy drew on the experiences of his own loss of his mother
and his brother George, to create this song, which is close to
his heart.
Percy comments, "I think of soldiers dying in Iraq. I think of
my own mother's passing, and then also the death of my own brother,
who we lost at a very young age. There are times when I can almost
hear my Mom still calling my name, or if I close my eyes I can
still see her face, and my brother's face. And I know that if
I feel that way, there are other people who'll hear this song
and feel the same way about someone very, very special in their
own lives whom they've lost."
Lyrical Samples:
1) Not a day goes by, I don't wonder why. You had to go away.
Still remember that day. Every now and then, Wonder how and when
We'll ever meet again. We'll ever touch again.
Chorus: But until then you're gone but not forgotten. I can still
hear your voice. Calling out my name I know. You're gone, but
not forgotten. I can still see your face, and that time can't
erase.
2).You're always in my heart, yes you are. We'll never be apart
though it seems the distance is so far away. I will remember you.
DA DA DA DA DA DA.
* * * + FREE - Words and Music, keyboards and programming by
Percy Bady. Lead vocals by Dorinda Clark-Cole & Ted Winn.
Another favorite of this reviewer. A praise song whose composition
and vocals build dynamically throughout the song, which has the
listener soaring spiritually by the end. Percy has created a catchy,
infectious melody peppered with lively dotted eighth note rhythm,
brought to life by Interesting musical composition featuring acoustic
guitar, electric bass, keyboards, strings. Lyrics, melody are
carried by smooth, bright solos and fine harmony duet work between
two talented artists, Winn and Cole, supported by the full choir
sound during chorus, hook and Bridge sections.
Scriptural References: (Romans 8:1-5, 1 Peter 4:11, Phillippians
1:6, 2:15 & 4:13, 1 Cor. 1:8)
Lyrical Samples:
1) (Ted Winn, vocalist) - There will be problems that I know
I have to face. Even though I'm walking upright, doesn't mean
things won't get uptight. There will be choices that I know I
have to make. Ever since I gave my life up, Trouble always seems
to show up. Still I am determined and I know that I'm not alone.
God is with me and I'm singing my song.
Chorus: Now that I'm free, I know his love now is covering me.
Through many dangers, seen and unseen, Gave up the world, life
is sweet, joy is full and complete now that I'm free.
2) (Donna Clark-Cole) There will be times when I feel the need
to quit, just because I've the hook up, doesn't mean thing won't
get shook up. There will be changes, I know nothing stays the
same. Even though I am redeemed, it don't mean there won't be
pain.
Hook: I am determined and faith looks up to Thee. You've brought
me this far, and I know You'll never leave.
Bridge: No more (condemnation), Total (liberation). Now that
He lives inside of me, I can do all things Thru Christ that strengthens
me.
* * * UM GOOD - Words and Music & Keyboards by Percy Bady. Lead
Vocals by Marvin Sapp, Pastor Daryl Hine, and Apostle Donald Alford.
A more traditional, soulful Gospel praise and worship song that
encourages the listener with a strong statement of faith which
implores us to stand firm in the Lord, even through rough waters,
disasters, remembering all the love, support, and blessings that
the Lord has already given us. We can hold onto the promises and
character of our Lord, trusting Him to see us through anything.
Scriptural References: (Psalm 103:1-3, 2nd Peter 1:3, 1 Cor. 6:13,
2nd Cor. 1: 24, Ephesians 6:14)
Lyrical Samples:
1) If I never own a mansion, way out on a hill. If I never see
riches, Lord I'll serve You still. If I lose all my possessions
and my health begins to fail. I'll still say Lord that You've
been good .
2) If I wake up on tomorrow and find my loved ones gone. If
I look to see my friends are few, Lord I'll just keep holding
on. If I call and there's no answer in the midst of my despair.
I can still say Lord that You've been good.
Chorus: You've been good (good, um good). Long as I live, I'll
testify that You've been good, (Lord, You've been good). You've
been good, (Lord, You've been good). Um um um good. So glad to
say Lord You've been good.
* * + KEEP ON DREAMING - Words and Music / Keyboards & Rhodes
by Percy Bady. Lead Vocals by Jasmine Garcia. Background vocals:
New Direction.
A nice melody carried by a pleasing combination of piano, keyboards,
guitars, with the first verse and chorus sung sweetly by Jasmine
Garcia, a little angel with a lot of talent. The New Direction
ensemble sing in nice harmony the 2nd verse and chorus, singing
the part of the child's positive, encouraging parent/ adult, answering
/ supporting the child's positive attitude about dreaming, making
goals for herself.
This song is a charming reminder to all, both adults /parents
and children that the first step in serving the Lord is discovering
a person's gifts, interests and abilities that the Lord has blessed
them with. These first building blocks are discovered in childhood.
An important task for the adults in children's lives is to encourage
children to develop, appreciate their own gifts, and have dreams
for their lives in the future based on their strengths that they
are blessed with. Encouraging children to persevere toward their
goals is a positive force to keep children on the right path which
will lead to serving the Lord, who will step in to guide them,
open doors, put encouraging people in their path and empower them
for His service.
Scriptural References: (1Cor. 12: 4-11, Phil. 1:6, 2:15, Ephes.
4:15 & 29, 32)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Maybe a teacher, a doctor or lawyer, or a preacher, I don't
know, I don't know. I like singing and oh I like dancing, I like
reading So many things so many things.
Chorus: I'll keep on dreaming, dreamin', I believe I can be,
anything I see. I'll keep on dreamin', dreamin', I can do anything,
I can be anything, keep on dreamin', I'll keep on dreamin'.
2) Just remember to never give up, keep believing, Faith will
see you thru. Hold your head high and aim for the sky. You can
make it, you can reach your goal.
* * * + I'LL KEEP HOLDING ON - Words and Music by Percy Bady,
lead vocals by Percy Bady, Darius Brooks and Paul Garcia
Another favorite of this reviewer. Soulful, heart-felt contemporary
gospel hymn encouraging listener's to keep holding onto their
faith, to persevere to fight the good fight, to run the good race
to the end, to meet the goals given by the Lord for your life
in His service, as Paul tells the early Christians, in Phil. 3:13,14.
Great melody is perfect vehicle for the lyrical message, sung
so beautifully by Percy Bady, Darius Brooks and Paul Garcia.
Related Scripture References: (Isaiah 40:31 & 41:10, Phil. 3:13-14,
Matt. 6:25-31, Phil. 4:13 & 4:6-7)
Lyrical Samples:
1). I can't give up now. I've come much too far. After all is
said and done, I'll overcome, ooh. I still believe (I still believe)
That I can achieve, Every dream and every goal. Somehow I know,
I know.
Bridge: Through every situation, Through every test, Through
every trial that I face, I'll do my best.
Chorus: I'll keep holding on, Keep singing my song, My faith
will keep me strong. (I'll keep holding on) I'll keep standing
tall, Keep giving my all, No matter what the call, I'll keep holding
on.
2). I'll hold my head up high, And reach for the sky, oh yes
I will. I'll keep pressing --pressing on. My time will come, (my
time will come)
Hook: I shall I will I know I can, Live out my dream, fulfilled
God's plan for my life. Chorus
* * * + HOLD UP THE LIGHT - Words and Music by Percy Bady, CeCe Winans, and Tyrone Thompson (Papa San). Vocals by Percy Bady,
Big Jim Wright, and Papa San.
A favorite of this reviewer. Two versions are offered on this
CD; an old school mix and an urban remix (PAJAM), both enjoyable
and stirring to listen to, as they bring home the message that
Christianity is an active faith, requiring us to not only live
it, showing God's love, but to stand up for what is right against
injustice, human suffering at the hands of others and evil in
this world.
The mixing of lively contemporary Gospel / RB with Jamaican Dancehall
Gospel, (Papa San's contribution), is very well done, and a great
way to end The Percy Bady Experience, with a call to stand up
for what is right, both as a nation, America and as an individual
during our every day lives, allowing ourselves to be a light to
the world, following Jesus.
Scriptural References: (James 1:15, 22 & 2:8, 14-17, Isaiah 61:8,
Psalm11:7)
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus: Hold up the light, Save the world from darkness. Hold
up the light. Won't you please, America?
1) It's time for all of us, who claim in God we trust, To take
a stand. Let our voice be heard, Across the nation, to every man.
If we are the light. It's time for all of us to fight for what
is right. We must work while it is day, oh yeh, before the fall
of night. Bridge: Voices crying, young people dying, Lost, nowhere
to run. So, I'm asking, takes sacrificing, Time for us to come
and...........Chorus:
2) There's no time for delayin', Can you see? Too many people
are dying, without ever being made free. Look at the trouble
in the world today. Time to walk into the light, gotta lead the
way.
3) Papa San - sharp, verbal rap-singing, Jamaican style. Calls
us to "Keep it burn'in!" (As the words to Papa San's
part in the song weren't given on the song sheet, his part of
the song will be a nice surprise when you listen to this song
for yourselves. - Check out the review for his own album also
found in our review section, to get an idea about what Jamaican
Dancehall music is like and find an example of his lyrics).
Reviewed by: Julie Carr - ChristianMusic.com.
