Nu Beginning featuring Damon Little CD Review

Nu Beginning featuring Damon Little

Do Right

We start our CD review for the new year with one of the best project of 2004. This month the quartet spotlight shines again on the silky smooth sounds of the Nu Beginning featuring Damon Little. Two years ago we reviewed Damon’s debut project on World Wide Gospel Records, “You Can’t Straddle The Fence.” Damon and Nu Beginning picks up from “You Can’t Straddle The Fence” and admonishes us all to “Do Right.” Although most Internet outlets have the titled to the CD as “Do Right,” in fact the project is simply titled “Nu Beginning featuring Damon Little.”

In addition to the 12 songs on this project, there are an Interlude and Outerlude. The Outerlude is in fact a benediction prayer, which was indeed a pleasant surprise.

Like their prior project, the 12 songs on this project feature everything from quartet drive to soul-stirring ballads of praise to our Lord and Savior. While Nu Beginning definitely have a very unique style and great creativity, not only will you be reminded of the Racy Brothers or Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson & The Spiritual Voices, for those over forty you will think at times that you are listening to Al Green or some of the other great ballad-teers of the sixty and seventy. Damon has borrowed from the past and put Nu Beginning’s unique style to some old favorites.

There are songs on this project for everyone. At times you might think that you are listening to several contemporary songs. However, listen closely and you will realize that what you are hearing are variations to the quartet style. At the same time, the variations do not take away from the fact that this project is nothing but quartet music at its best.

The first song on the project is the upbeat “Long As I Got Shoes.” The message in this song is quite simple; in that, everything is going to be alright. “ I’ve Got Jesus” is one of the older songs (which is also a favorite of many groups) that have been updated by Nu Beginnings. What a powerful rendition of this song. This song will probably also be consider the drive song. The band is at their best on this song.

Another old song that has been updated is “He’ll Understand.” Although, not quite a drive song, it is definitely upbeat. We particularly like the harmony of the background singers on this song. The guys get a little “churchy” (get you rocking back and forth) with the combination of “If It Had Not Been For The Lord/No Turing Back.” What a great combination. The transition from “If It Had Not Been For The Lord” to “No Turning Back” is very smooth. “Do Right” is probably the song that will get the most airplay. You will also think that you hear Bo-Peep singing on this song. This is also a great song. It could also be consider a drive song. Many groups will probably record it in the future. It is certainly of the style that you would expect from Bo-Peep, Revive, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, or Darrell McFadden.

On “Over Now” Damon speaks of his mother’s death last year. The song has all the trappings of being dedicated to his mother. It is a beautiful ballad about coming to the end of life. As you listen to this song, you will probably begin to think of family members that are no longer with us. And that is okay. Because, this song not only speaks of the end of life, but encourages those that remain to cherish the memories.

After the mega hit “Don’t Straddle The Fence,” it should not be a surprise to find a remix of this song on this project. The remix is just as powerful as the original. The remix is over 6 minutes in length, which makes it longer than the original version. But, you will appreciate every second of the 6 minutes.

On the whole this CD, as the prior project, offers a little something for everybody. Smooth harmony, slick production, and powerful messages in song are normally the ingredients for a great recording and they are all present in this release. In addition, the creative update of some old favorites showcases the full range of talents of this awesome group.

We give Nu Beginning featuring Damon Little “Do Right” a very deserving 9 out of 10. To order this project click “Do Right.” Click on the title to hear the slow, very smooth and thought provoking “Ask In My Name.”

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