Tenor Robert E. Person gives a stunning performance of the late Donny Hathaway’s classic soulful ballad, “Someday We’ll All Be Free.”  This is the first single from Person’s upcoming third gospel album Soul Sanctuary.  What makes this piece stand out is not only Person’s phenomenal vocal qualities, but the stellar orchestral arrangements that garnish this uplifting tune.

A fellow graduate of the music program at the University of the District of Columbia, Allyn Johnson is credited with the arranging.  This gifted jazz pianist and bandleader of the jazz group Divine Order adds a lush landscape to Person’s vocals starting from the top with full strings and bells ornamented with an acoustic guitar.  Person glides along with his silky smooth tones and easily makes the transition to booming chest voice when needed.  Each verse is delivered as an almost personal testimony from Person encouraging the listener to, “Never mind your fears / Brighter days will soon be here,” and other uplifting sentiments that hardly sound preachy or cliché. 

Johnson sets a mellow mood in the bridge as he plays an unassuming solo on what sounds like a Fender Rhodes keyboard.  The delicate bell-tones double the acoustic guitar for a brief energetic spell before engaging in a quick ascending eighth note passage.  Person’s abrupt, piercing entrance after the bridge is a bit unexpected but is quickly forgiven as his unabashed enthusiasm elevates his voice into a well controlled falsetto.  Throughout the entire song, he expertly and tastefully displays his vocal prowess as he dips down low and then jumps back up without a hint of straining.  Johnson’s instrumentation lays a firm groundwork and the background chorus is tastefully added, especially in the coda.  At the forefront throughout though is Person with his divine voice and inspiring message.