Review by Victoria Scott & Staff
From the clubs of the Gold Coast, to the theaters of Sydney, and into Black Gospel Churches of Melbourne, Houston, DC, Birmingham, LA, the Australian Gospel artist, Ida Maree, has had quite a musical journey. Her travels and singing have encompassed the true path of a musician searching for truth in her life. Her debut album, Saving Grace, was acclaimed as 'The Album of the Year' by Australia’s leading Christian Radio Charts.
Now with Grammy Producer, Billy Smiley, at the helm, her new album, Chapter 2, is slated for a Fall/Summer 2020 release. In advance of the album, her single, "Watching and Waiting", brings an exciting sound to the inspirational music scene.
Hear and feel all the good work God has planned for you in Ida Maree's new, vibrant gospel song "Watching and Waiting." The intro comes in with synth keys, smooth acoustic guitar, driving bass, and electric guitar. Ida Maree enters with velvet vocals. "Standing at the crossroad, felt the breeze in the morning sun awaken my affection for the journey yet to come."
The musicianship on the track is stellar. Grammy renowned Producer, Billy Smiley, brought in Nashville's best young musicians: Jared Kneale on drums (Kacey Musgraves, Ben Rector, Hunter Hayes); Brennan Smiley of the rock group “The Technicolors” on electric guitars; Akil Thompson on bass (Little Big Town); Blair Masters on Keys (Garth Brooks, Peter Frampton); and musician / engineer Jonathan Crone. Mixed by Billy Whittington (Amy Grant, Be Be and Ce Ce Winans, Michael W Smith) and Jonathan Crone, the musicians and engineers perfectly capture Ida Maree's exuberance with a joyful sound that builds on R & B and Gospel.
Smiley's arrangement has a quick break down in the bridge where Ida Maree's powerful vocals let loose as an instrumental break smoothly transitions into a rapid, syncopated rhythm with an angelic choir. Ida Maree's vocal performance is masterful as she soars through the her vocal runs, commanding her upper register with ease. You can hear abundant vitally in her performance.The bass digs in during the last chorus, and the glorious vocals and instrumentation fade out slowly.
We have all experienced a crossroads in life, when all we can do is watch and wait. With faith and trust, Ida Maree sings:
“I can see the road ahead
Watching and waiting
Watching and waiting
Waiting on you for my time to move
Watching and waiting
Living and learning
Your spirit is stirring.”
Ida Maree encompasses the pure joy and exaltation of life in “Watching and Waiting.” With an inspiring and compelling message, "Watching and Waiting" is a testimony of faith, where uncertainty meets trust. This gratifying song will touch your heart and lift your spirit to God's glory. Some things are certain - fans of all genres will eagerly 'watch and wait' for Ida Maree's next single.
Find on Apple Music.
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