A First Listen That Leaves You Wanting More| Posted June 16, 2014
Many have heard him with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Mass Choir, while others have heard him as a member of Israel and New Breed. No matter the outlet, Onaje Jefferson is one to leave his mark on your memory. He is a passionate worship leader with a gift for songwriting. If anyone knows about the ministry of Israel and New Breed, they know that servanthood and family are big components of their vision. Onaje is a husband (to Veronica) and father (to Mayah).
His debut EP Heaven Rain is produced by keyboardist/drummer extraordinaire, Kevin Camp. Onaje wrote every song on the EP. The theme of this album is praise and worship, and should serve as a great introduction for him.
The title song is a high energy praise number asking for God to "rain" on his people. The background vocals are on point and serve to accent the vocals of Onaje and co-leaders Linny Smith and Ashley Carbaugh. This song gets a EDM remix that may prove more satisfactory to fans of that style of music. It is great when worship leaders sing of their longing for Christ. This cry of desperation is heard on "My Desire," and it's done in ¾ time topped with a melodic acoustic guitar.
Thanksgiving and praise continues with "Million Mercies (Great Is Thy Faithfulness)." This song obviously borrows from the popular hymn and takes the message of God's unending mercy to a more CCM ballad. "More Of You" starts off like a slight pop/Celtic worship mashup of sorts. The riding on the snare drum could easily be used as a drum cadence for one of the military branches of the United States. The subtle "ahhs" in the background become more overt and a great part of a song that builds to a very confident plea (by Onaje) of full dependency on God.
Closing Thoughts:
This EP is a great segue to more from Onaje Jefferson. His strong but clear tenor voice is perfect to be able to cross genres within the Christian/Gospel umbrella.
Song to Download Now:
"Heaven Rain (Remix)" (Get it on iTunes here.)