Since graduating from college, all that Rev. Dr. Forrest James Robinson has been familiar with is the business of healing. For over twenty years, he practiced medicine in his native Chicago. When he switched careers, he felt a calling to serve God full time at Chicago’s Bellevue Baptist Church. Robinson eventually furthered his ministry by forming 1 SoL Records with multi-instrumentalist Sylvester Harper. Their debut recording in 2004 was entitled Doc. St. Luke & Latt’r Da Call, an absolute reflection of Robinson’s strong beliefs in God’s powerful healing and a reference to one of 1 SoL’s mission statement from the book of Luke. The music on Doc. St. Luke was a jazzy, soulfully tossed mix invoking originally penned worship and spiritual encouragement.
Eight years later, 1 SoL returns with the EP, So Good, a second helping of jazz-frosted inspiration. In keeping everything scripturally grounded, 1 SoL breaks down each line of lyrics with a Biblical reference. A holdover from Doc. St. Luke, “Nite Prayer” is presented with a slightly different arrangement. The gentle swaying soundtrack set to “The Lord’s Prayer” is fully enriched by Cynthia Michelle Jernigan’s crystal clear elegance. Jernigan also shines on “Give Him Glory,” especially after the hip-hop induced beats are dropped in the last minute and a half. Robinson sings lead on the silky slow jam, “He’s Worthy,” a song that takes flight when the Bellevue Baptist choir and Roberta Thomas’s stirring vocals pour on the praise jets. The fiery passion continues as Pastor David Foley’s gritty tenor ignites the title track, while Robinson adds a few preaching tidbits.
The four tracks on So Good are pleasantly driven by Harper’s one-man band and guitarist Keith Niles on “He’s Worthy.” Overall, 1 SoL’s So Good strikes most of the right notes with the exception of Robinson’s auto-tuned lead on “He’s Worthy.” For those who appreciate worship and a pinch of spiritual healing with a jazzy twist, So Good is more than just “mm mm good” for the soul.
Vocals: 3.0 stars
Music: 2.5 stars
Lyrics: 3.0 stars
Production: 2.5 stars
SoulTracks Call: Recommended
By Peggy Oliver
