Regina Vandereijk – The Lord Is There
Something different from a native North Carolina singer Regina Vandereijk now in the Netherlands. This 10-track collection is purely folk-inspired, country-drenched gospel-oriented magic on The Lord Is There (Drops Feb 11/Royal Increase Music).
The 14-song deluxe edition includes a 4-song EP & booklet. Produced by Trevor Michael (electric guitar/programming/percussion/bgv) with string arrangements by Mark Edwards (keys/banjo/ accordion/Hammond organ) with the album masterfully recorded at Echo Zoo Studio, Eastbourne, UK.
This isn’t your mother’s gospel music – Regina’s voice has modern-day color in her words rather than sheer power & bombastic spirituality. This is curved closer to a mainstream vibe without losing the message. And it’s Regina’s marvelously rich voice that leaves the showcase with its compelling musical structure. This is where you leave behind the showboating antics of pop singers who use their voices as sirens rather than as an instrument.
This is where Pavarotti & Paul Plishka dwelled. Where singers like Aretha & the late Timi Yuro aspired. Timi’s live performance in the 80’s in Scandinavia of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is a stunner (on YouTube). These are singers who are in the zone – in another world when they hit their notes. Regina has that. Her range is impeccable & could easily switch gears from gospel to blues with energy.
On the 4-song EP is “Love Called Her Home” & it’s a 3-tissue song. Now singers like Adele & Bird York are excellent. However, could they go this route? Regina possesses a magnificent spiritual-gospel & soulful voice that Elvis Presley would’ve admired & she could’ve sung with him. I’m sure. This is what Elvis sought in his voice when he sang gospel. Also, on the EP are “Mighty Waters (Midnight Moon),” & the swampy “Victory (Freedom)” — 2 exceptional & astonishing performances. Either would bring tears to a blues man’s eyes.
Calmer is the LP cut “Waters of the Deep” & “Promise Keeper.” Soothing melodies filled with melodic reassurance. “Wake Up Boy” is a more commercially aimed piece while “Always” & “We Will Overcome” both are kick-ass invigorating in a Joan Armatrading manner. “Oh, Jesus” (on the 4-song EP that has the most powerful material) has a splendor that’s riveting.
Only God gives voices like this to a person. The voice comes from the diaphragm & voice box, but the human breath & spirit give it its current that goes to the heart. Regina’s singing…turn it up loud. Let the clouds hear it.
Musicians – Faye Streek, Richard James Butt, Sharon Davis, Willem Vandereijk & Ron van Wetten (bgv), Dan Boreham (guitars/dobro), Mark Prentice (bass), Phil Crabbe (drums), Chris Phipps, Ben Sarfas (violins), Ellen Blackshaw (viola), Rachel Grimes (cello) & Tim Cotterell (fiddle).
Highlights – All songs.
The CD cover is courtesy of Josephine Souisa. Tinted image courtesy of Regina’s website. CD @ Apple & https://reginavandereijk.com/home
