Monday, January 7, 2008

CD Review: David Howard’s Spark

By JW Richard of Mandrake Society Radio

I have always wondered why there aren’t more television channels for the spiritual others. You know, a local television or radio channel for spiritual seekers who either don’t subscribe to or, at least, exclusively subscribe to Christianity, giving more room to the Wayne Dyers and Byron Katies for the New Thought world. It is that mix you’d find David Howard in.

David Howard - Spark

Co-Founder of the Center for Life Enrichment in Dallas, Howard’s debut music offering, Spark, sings of the quest for an authentic life without shacking up with any particular outside deity. It's an uplifting declaration of love for the idea and reality of life itself. The production is solid enough, including players Sara Hickman, Jeff Black, and the late Carter Albrecht in the musical mix, giving Howard an opportunity for vocal expression that stops just short of Josh Groban bringing Southern folk-rock. For example, Howard’s cover of Jackson Browne’s “Alive in the World” is delivered with stronger overall conviction than the original. His rendition of Hickman’s, “Comfort’s Sigh,” makes such a complement to the original that it could’ve been featured on the second disc of Motherlode. Even his sole original contribution, “Cicidas,” blends well into the overall musical and lyrical theme. Perhaps there will be more originals next time around.

This disc would slide well into your music set if you’re moved by the musical reflections of Don Henley, Jackson Browne, and the contemporary English pop of the aforementioned Groban.

This review was submitted by a member of the Pegasus News Community

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