Apostle J. Dancy reflects change ala Apostle Paul

By Strings

In the now classic recording of “The 23rd Psalm” by the Stars of Glory, the Rev. Richard Ditaway starts the narrative declaring that “every Christian should have a testimony…” That alone would qualify Davon Johnson—the man once known to the blues world as “Jusvon”—as one called to lead others to salvation, for he certainly has a testimony to give. Jusvon made a name for himself as a sought after blues musician. His first studio experience was at age 14 working with the legendary Taj Mahal. From there he went on to fill the drum chair for scores of notables including ZZ Hill, Son Seals, Lee Shot Williams, Brenton Wood, the Drifters, Percy Sledge, the Platters and many others. His touring life led him to share venues with artists such as B.B. King, Robert Cray, the Blues Brothers and George Benson. He eventually went on to be the drummer and bandleader for another legend, Otis Clay.

But, like the Apostle Paul, Jusvon underwent a name and life change. Now known to the world as Apostle J. Dancy, he has devoted his life—and music—entirely to following the message of Jesus Christ and is sharing his joy through his first gospel album, “A New Life” [Parliament Gospel Records PGRCD020264/Phat Sound Promotions].

The 15-song collection, written primarily by Apostle Dancy’s producer Minister Ted Robinson Jr., gives the acclaimed drummer a chance to display his vocal talents and ministry to the world. While most of his earlier work was in the blues vein, “A New Life” falls primarily into the contemporary gospel groove and shows diverse influences, as with the opening “Somebody’s Calling, that has something of a funky Caribbean flavor. The song is reflects the Paul-like conversion that Apostle Dancy himself experienced after hearing “somebody calling” his name.

“God Is” is a smooth ballad with an R&B flavor while “Child of God” has something of a bluesy flavor. It’s a smoldering number that reminds me a bit of the more contemporary trends in quartet gospel (which I really like). Now might be a time to interject another thought. Naw, let me leave that until the end…

“Safe in His Grace” is something everyone needs to hear. It’s a funky number with screaming guitars, ala Isley Brothers that’s certain to be controversial to some. By his own accounts, Apostle has been through some serious life-changing events that has made him uncompromising when it comes to doing God’s word. The song starts off naming some of the great R&B stars who have passed away—James Brown, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson, Donny Hathaway, Isaac Hayes, Ray Charles and Michael Jackson. But, lest you think this is some tribute song, hold on and listen carefully as he asks the questions, “Did they ever come Jesus?” “Would they still be here?” The apostle says he can’t answer those questions, nor does he attempt to answer the question about those fallen pop and R&B idols’ state of salvation. But, his intent is understood in his answer:

“…See I don’t know…, maybe they left us here while they were safe in His grace…

“So we’ve gotta get ready because we don’t know the hour or day that He’s coming back, make sure you’re dressed and you have on your walking shoes…”

Point is for all the fame those folks appeared to have, the important question for Apostle Dancy is, “Were they covered by the blood of Jesus?” But, not to be judgmental, he writes on the CD cover, “Only God knows the heart!”

“I Found Love” could be an R&B title, but here it takes on a much greater significance in a changed man who has found the love of God.

Perhaps the centerpiece of the record is the title track, “A New Life.” “If it’s not of God,” the apostle tells us to “shut it down!” There’s more joy in answering a higher calling than all this worldly stuff!

The CD is full of meaningful material, particularly on tracks such as “I’ve Been Here”—which reminds us that when we seem most alone, God is there and has ALWAYS been there waiting for us to acknowledge Him. “If You Really” explains that if you really want to be like Jesus, you need to help folks in need. It also admonishes us for always being critical of others instead of trying to uplift them. The record appropriately closes with the funky “Hold On to Jesus”—another reminder that we’re not alone.

Okay, back o my earlier comment about contemporary gospel music. For me, there’s always a bit of danger when worship music starts to “progress” and take on the mantel of “contemporary” music. I’ve heard a lot of funky beats out there in churches and, yes, it gets the people hyped and dancing in the aisles. David danced, so that in and of itself is not a bad thing. But, there’s a lot of stuff out there by folks I suspect couldn’t make it in the secular world, so they threw together some beats, but the line “Praise Him” or the name “Jesus” and repeated hundreds of times and passed it off as praise music. Some industry insiders privately and cynically have referred to it as “two-liners” meaning some folks are just using the Lord to sell records and collect royalties by encouraging other churches to perform the theologically sparse rhythm tracks through workshops and other sales devices. You’ve heard the excuse that kids used to give for listening to some of the most derogatory gangsta rap—“I don’t really listen to the words, I just like the beat.” Well, folks, for my money, it shouldn’t ought to be that way when it comes to God’s music.

Just as Paul didn’t give up his worldly skills when he was transformed but put them to use for a higher calling, Apostle Dancy hasn’t abandoned his musical experience in the world—he’s just put them to use for a higher calling. There’s plenty of good, head bobbing, toe tapping music— and more.While he’s got some nice beats and funky rhythms here, thankfully, Apostle Dancy has put together some sound lyrics that that tell stories and are based on sound biblical principles. Folks can get fed something more than emotion. There’s some nutrious spiritual food here, too—lots of it. If nothing else, check out his descriptions of the songs printed on the CD inside cover. There’s some spiritual food there. Listen and you’ve got some nice flavor to give taste to a spiritually healthy meal.

If you like contemporary gospel music, Apostle J. Dancy’s “A New Life” is an uplifting, heartfelt and spiritually sound effort that is worth a listen.

This is part of the October 14, 2009 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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