“Come Unto Me” is the second track from Atlanta-based worship leader, Ulysses Brown, that I had the pleasure of discovering. After reviewing his uptempo, funk-infused dance track, “Love Lifted Me,” I was pleased to find that Mr. Brown is not just a one trick pony. He delivers the goods once again with “Come Unto Me.”
“Come Unto Me” is a jazz-flavored, r&b-inspired, slow gospel jam that feels like it could have been penned by R. Kelly and sung by Al Jarreau or Anita Baker. Like Mr. Brown’s previous release, this song also leans on a sparse, retro-influenced production, held together by a tight rhythm section, 7th chord piano playing, and even some unexpected marimba. With the exception of the Christian message in the lyrics, this track feels like it could just as easily be found, played by a jazz combo in a smoke-filled club, as it could be found sung in church during Sunday morning services.
The first thing that struck me about “Come Unto Me” was the unpredictable, yet tasteful use of minor and 7th chords on the piano. This instantly made me sit up and take notice, that this was not your typical smooth groove. Mr. Brown’s vocal, while strong on the last single I reviewed, was even more powerful and dead-on in its delivery. The vocal runs were smart and well-placed, and never over-bearing.
While the lyrical content doesn’t break any new ground, there is a saying that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” So, as a songwriter, Mr. Brown stays the tried and true course of bearing witness to the forgiveness of sin and redemption through his faith in Christ. “I was a sinner, I was lost in a world of sin…I heard the voice of Jesus say to me one day, ‘Weary one, come unto me and lay down and rest.”
Fans of classic r&b and the Smooth Jams CDs of the mid-90s will find a nostalgic connection with “Come Unto Me.” But, in my opinion, good vocalists like this are timeless. It’s easy to see why Ulysses Brown was once named Richmond, Virginia’s “Man Of Music.” He is certainly living up to that reputation on this release.
For more information on Ulysses Brown and to hear “Come Unto Me,” visit www.ulyssesbrown.com.