print: GOSPEL MUSIC REVIEW: A Fresh Wind (Micah Stampley) | November, 2006 on BlackGospel.com

A Fresh Wind: The Second Sound
(Micah Stampley)
Levitical Music Group

November 2006 on BlackGospel.com - Review by Em Fergusson

When faced with the divine call to serve the Almighty, a true servant of Christ, will always respond to that commission. The double Stellar Award nominee for “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “New Artist of the Year” categories, Micah Stampley has unwaveringly answered God’s call on his life to proceed with fervent ministry that breathes new wind into the lives of lost souls. This fall he has returned with a brand-new album, A Fresh Wind: The Second Sound.. The anticipated follow-up to his hit debut, The Songbook Of Micah, features a series of rich, worshipful songs which deliver in the most delightful way, the powerful message that God is worthy of all praise. A Fresh Wind is also a departure from exploring contemporary forms of Gospel music to center almost entirely on the universal sound of worship and praise music, identified in charismatic churches around the world.

Micah Stampley - the minister, husband, father, musician and community philanthropist - was born in the City of Angels (Los Angeles, California) but grew up in the bayou backwaters of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. At a young age, God called him to head the music department at the small steeple his father, Richard Stampley, pastored. As the years past, Micah Stampley continued to follow the leading of God’s spirit in his life. On A Fresh Wind, each track celebrates the powerful message of fostering a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. His message is unmistakable, his music is moving and his delivery is undeniably anointed.

The flavorful album begins with the hand-clapping, expressive song, We Lift You Up. Backed by strong vocals, Stampley allows God’s spirit to take over in a majestic way. The desire to follow God’s leadership can also be felt on No Compromise. As one of my favorite selections on the album, Micah emphasizes the decisive need to follow God’s word and not compromise just to fit in/you can’t compromise your beliefs/you can’t compromise/ don’t you get into the systems of this world! The message is crucial in a world where events have taken a turn for the worse. The music complements the message, as Minister Stampley bears his unwavering no-compromising faith with a bold delivery that beckons you to stay the course.

The hope and faith expressed on Fervent Prayer, is deeply rooted in the desire to enter into God’s presence. The soft ballad, rich with Micah’s vocal versatility, discusses a void that can only be filled by God. Another soul-stirring track that will fill any room or headphone with the Spirit of God is the classical, graceful song, Unfailing Love. The lyrics, ceremoniously, talk of God’s ever-flowing love towards His children:

“For me, you paid the price for me
It was unfailing love
Paid by your blood
Come and pour over me
Till all I see
Is your unfailing love.”

There is nothing greater and more powerful than what God has done. Each and every day, He sends His abundant blessings in a wonderful way. Because You Love Me, a medley which includes a blend of the song, Unfailing Love woven with a worship segment, talks of God’s abundant blessings. The blessing He sends us every day is a result of His unfailing love. Stampley’s soaring vocals and glowing lyrics add inspiration and integrity to this praise exhortation.

Introducing a portion of the word of God, the track Call To The Nations, admonishes the nations to join their voices, evangelically, in declaring that Christians must stand firm on God’s word. This amazing track is another favorite of mine. Infused with a mixture of international worship, the words call on God to send His fire into the hearts of men and women.

It should come as no surprise Stampley’s sophomore album, A Fresh Wind: The Second Wind, on his brand new independent label – Levitical Music Group - is indeed a breath of fresh air: the kind of fresh air that comes with a ministry embedded in what God has promised. The proverbial promise of blessing those who worship and follow God’s word is manifested on A Fresh Wind. Allow the Spirit of God to come over you, as you worship along with this album.