Tralayne Myers, Darlene (Princess) Spenser and Aleeta Davis – together known as the Assembly of Believers Praise Team – are featured on a new CD that’s as lovely to listen to as it is inspiring in its authentic, heartfelt messages of gratitude to God. To record “A Christmas Praise,” these three ladies teamed up with talented members of their family and friends at Eastside Assembly of Believers Church led by pastor and founder Dr. Alfred C. Davis, Sr. and Missionary Mary L. Davis, First Lady.
All songs on the album were produced, recorded, mixed and mastered at Wayout Studios in Tacoma by Alex (Big Squigg) Davis. There are numerous traditional Christmas hymns on this CD, but they aren’t presented in their customary way. Rather, the songwriters and singers offer their own takes on these classics, and they sound fantastic. You may hear something new in the time-tested lyrics, or feel something move you in the up-tempo music.
The CD kicks off with a prayer in song, “Worship His Name,” performed by Praise Team and written by Dawneen Davis. Bass drum keeps the slow pace then electric guitar cuts in to punctuate what’s being sung: “Jesus is Lord of Lords/ King of Kings.” The three singers really let go in their vocals, then back down to gentle solos that sound warm and comforting.
A jazz combo version of “Silent Night” gives the traditional tune a different flavor but the lyrics remain the same. Praise Team harmonizes smooth and sweet.
“Happy Birthday Jesus,” performed by Praise Team featuring Dawneen Davis, Elijah Davis and Brenda G. Brown, brings in Latin drums and opens with spoken word in Spanish. This is another track written by Dawneen Davis. Her lyrics speak to the real meaning of Christmas, the source of all joy that supercedes gifts and tinsel. “Those things don’t mean nothin’/ because Jesus Christ is born.” A child’s adorable voice pipes in toward the end repeating, “Happy Birthday.”
“A Christmas Thought,” spoken word by Darius Alexander, expresses his humble love for Jesus, and encourages listeners to pause and reflect. This leads right into “O Holy Night” performed by Myers. It’s a beautiful rendition of the classic Christmas hymn, not sung solemnly, but with soul. Myers’ voice is reminiscent of Roberta Flack’s when she sings softly.
Myers then sings “Away In a Manger” traditionally but rearranged to inject more power into the song. You can hear the smile in her heart through her singing. She sounds just beautiful, and really cuts loose on this one with passion. Praise Team comes back together for “Joy To The World,” with live guitar by Ronald Dacus.
“Why We Celebrate” is a rap number written and performed by Rolando Bearing and co-written by Alex (Big Squigg) Davis. It celebrates the birth of Jesus and gives thanks to God for sending Him here. “Praise Break Groove” is performed by Myers and Arianna F., and Dacus again provides guitar. This one makes you want to get up and move your body.
The album closes with “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” written by Alex (Big Squigg) Davis and performed by Eastside Youth members Gabi, Elijah, Nia, Justice and Arianna.
Eastside Assembly of Believers Church at 4420 E. Portland Ave. invites the entire South Sound community to come and worship every Sunday at 11:15 a.m. where you will no doubt be able to see these performers live and pick up a copy of their CD.
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