The Word of God is heard through the keyboards of Kenneth Grice, whose sleek, incandescent instrumentals convey spiritual depth on his new album, The Victory. Both the album title and the names of the songs are rooted in religious faith; minus lyrics it is Grice's emotionally uplifting melodies that reflect his Gospel background. But this is not creaky church music. Grice's work stitches together a variety of related inspirations, namely smooth jazz, funk, and '70s R&B, to form a warm, always pleasing sound.
The opening cut, “Your Favor," is velvety soft smooth jazz as Grice's keyboards caress the ears with grace and a desire to comfort. It's real soul music, one that is truly delivered from the deepest recesses of the heart. Grice's compositions are felt as much as they heard; they connect with the listener with palpable passion. “I Can Do All Things" is particularly moving with Grice's playing echoing the quiet power of an evening prayer. “Amazing" and “There's Nobody Like You" unveil Grice's funk leanings, the grooves brimming with toe-tapping hooks.
The son of a minister, Grice learned how to play the keyboard, piano, and Hammond Organ in church while still in junior high. The South Carolina-based artist credits his mother for making such a massively positive impact on his life. “She gave her life to the Lord and raised me up in holiness," Grice explained. “"I was shielded from lots of things growing up and didn't have many friends after that, but as I look back on it, I thank God!" The Christian context behind The Victory is especially personal to Grice. “without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ nothing would be possible," Grice said. “I can do all things through Christ."
The opening cut, “Your Favor," is velvety soft smooth jazz as Grice's keyboards caress the ears with grace and a desire to comfort. It's real soul music, one that is truly delivered from the deepest recesses of the heart. Grice's compositions are felt as much as they heard; they connect with the listener with palpable passion. “I Can Do All Things" is particularly moving with Grice's playing echoing the quiet power of an evening prayer. “Amazing" and “There's Nobody Like You" unveil Grice's funk leanings, the grooves brimming with toe-tapping hooks.
The son of a minister, Grice learned how to play the keyboard, piano, and Hammond Organ in church while still in junior high. The South Carolina-based artist credits his mother for making such a massively positive impact on his life. “She gave her life to the Lord and raised me up in holiness," Grice explained. “"I was shielded from lots of things growing up and didn't have many friends after that, but as I look back on it, I thank God!" The Christian context behind The Victory is especially personal to Grice. “without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ nothing would be possible," Grice said. “I can do all things through Christ."
