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Over the last several years, Texas has birthed some of the most innovative and pioneering sounds in gospel music as evidenced by such stellar artists as The Dallas Fort Worth Mass Choir, Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell and, of course, Kirk Franklin. This spring, hailing from Kirk’s hometown of Dallas-Fort Worth is Apostle C.E. Proctor and the The Dallas Fort Worth Community Choir, a dynamic, contemporary group of young people eagerly proclaiming the gospel in their debut album entitled I’ve Been Waiting.

BlackGospel.com had the pleasure of engaging in discourse with the multi-talented Apostle C.E. Proctor, the group’s director, producer and chaplain to speak on their newly released project and the impact they hope to have for the Kingdom.

For those not acquainted with you or your music, how would you describe your musical ministry?

We are known here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as setting the stage for the upcoming gospel generation. Our sound is definitely more urban contemporary, with some traditional infusions, as we try to cater not only to those who appreciate contemporary music but those who are inclined towards a more traditional sound…

There seems to be a definite influence from a fellow Texan on your music, Kirk Franklin. Would you agree that you get a certain level of inspiration from his ministry?

I love Kirk Franklin! He is a pioneer. As a fellow son of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I have been following his ministry for close to fifteen years. Kirk definitely has a strong influence on me when it comes to songwriting.

How has working with the late Reverend James Moore enhanced your musicianship?

About eight years ago, when the late Reverend was fellowshipping with me at my church, I was curious about how the Lord spoke to him with regard to writing music. He engrained in me to keep things basic, simple, and plain so that people can always understand the music. I have carried that with me in all areas of the ministry from songwriting to choreography. The results have been a blessing both to us and to those who listen to our music. People have been complimentary about the clarity of our vocals and our message.

What would you say is the predominant message of the hit single, “I Am Determined”

It is self-explanatory. At times we’re faced with obstacles and situations that would have us give up, but we must continue to be determined no matter what we’re faced with, no matter what we’re going through. We must continue to be determined, to press our way through the things that try to keep us bound… It is a message within itself, that no matter what, “I am determined to be with Jesus!”

In addition to your roles as the choirs chaplain, director and producer, do you also grace us with your singing talents?

I do sing on the album but out of the fifteen members in The Dallas Fort Worth Community Choir, everyone has the potential to be a lead. We showcase out collective multi-faceted talents by sharing lead vocals.

What is your favorite instrument? I ask because the bassline seems to be the dominant instrument throughout the album?

I always brag about how my bassist sounds, but I love the Hammond organ also… Although, if I had to pick one, I’d have to lean towards the bass. Taking inspiration from Dorinda Clark Cole’s musicians and Fred Hammond’s musicians, we actually wanted to be recognized for our strong bassline…

What does “I’ve Been Waiting” say about you, not the apostle but the man?

“I’ve Been Waiting” is so dynamic in the spiritual realm. There are many things that I’m still waiting for, and many things that I waited for that have come to pass. It’s just a stand to let the enemy know that he can bring it on, I’m still gonna wait. I’m not gonna fret, I’m not gonna fear, I’m not gonna fall, I’m just gonna wait on God for my breakthrough, my increase, my deliverance. I’m just gonna wait on the Lord…
- reviewed by: Lorraine T. Carroll

An apostle is one defined as an evangelist, a witness, or even a person that spreads the message of Jesus Christ. On the opening track of Speak To Me Jesus, it is apparent that Apostle C.D. Proctor has a message to deliver along with The DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) Community Choir. The convincing lead singer/choir organizer takes the alternative approach of humility with his opening track by yielding his music and the singers to the Lord, and allowing a mysterious voice (seemingly not Proctor) to indeed speak to them. In their declaration about the desire to be “real” on this fervent cut, Proctor allows the sultry sounds of one of the female lead singers to express her sentiments, followed by his own testimony in song. Speak To Me Jesus genuinely expresses the pleading nature of one that desires to liberate their soul.

The courageous drum roll that initiates the stirring Stand Still immediately solicits attention and is soon followed by subtle, harmonious, high-pitched vocals that are precious, but powerful. Supported by rich “swells” (otherwise known as crescendo and decrescendo in music), the fluidity of this piece is smooth and gentle. Texans and others alike will hear influences of Dallas neighbor, Kirk Franklin in recitations of rhyming words such as “mysterious” and “delirious” in the peak of performance.

Before you can typecast this group, they render an uptempo, bright song that could easily be accompanied with a fiercely played tambourine called Praise The Lord, based on Psalm 150:6. This contemporary version of a traditional concept proves to be a welcome variation from the conventional “Praise the Lord everybody” call-and-response technique that is popular among Pentecostal churches.

Although I Am Determined is noted as a “remix,” the easygoing, melodic sounds of this slow, almost “skate jam” hardly reminds you of the customary overbearing, unwarranted remix releases. In this remix you can depend on a wonderful presentation that allows the listener to recompose their spirit with renewed strength. The lead female vocalist is just as persuasive with her charming vocals which are comparable to Whitney Houston or CeCe Winans.

Apostle Proctor is an obvious fan of the psalms of David as he yet embraces another psalm, this time Psalm 121, in his remix of My Help. As a virtuous messenger, he encourages the listener with an oration that confirms throughout the motivating, lyrical directive that "everything that is accomplished, achieved, or acquired “comes from the Lord.”

In the opening Oh What A Friend deliberately attempts to distract the listener with a tempting compilation introduction full of Latino-based influences from salsa beats to what sounds like congas. However, Proctor warns the listener of a transition just as the beat changes into a mild, mellow, tango-style that repetitiously imposes that “God keeps doing great things.” Easily Oh What A Friend has an international appeal and flavor that effectively ministers and could be translated into other languages to have a global reach.

Last, but not least, the funky tones and substantial beats on the title track I’ve Been Waiting are perfect for those that like to dance doing the “Sanctified Electric Slide” or head-bopping. This booming groove proves that Apostle C.D. Proctor definitely feels his “help” on this one as he declares his patience about the Lord’s goodness as he eagerly awaits the manifestation of God’s promises.

- reviewed by: Lorraine T. Carroll

To Review copy Link:

www.gospel-spotlight.com/apostle_proctor_intvw.htm - Gospel Spotlight Bro. HJ