::ALBUM REVIEW::

Reissues can be a music fanatic's best friend. Having said that, it seems like the times are definitely here for nostalgic memories, that are trapped in the vinyl world, to witness the marveling experience of the compact disc. 601 Music, a subsidiary of Malaco Records, purposely focuses on re-releasing older material on newly-formatted projects; hoping to bring a spirited revival to their vast catalog. Onyx International was a small label that experienced a good deal of triumph on the gospel charts during the 1980s. Vanessa Bell-Armstrong was one of their popular artists. Malaco purchased Onyx's catalog, and while most of the material released on that label has not seen the light of day on compact disc, they have recently assembled "Peace Be Still"; packaged like a reinvention of the 1982 Grammy-winning "Peace Be Still" project but instead feels like a "greatest hits" collection of her Onyx material.

This ten-track collection surrounds the artfulness of the late Thomas Whitfield, as he orchestrates the perfect environment for the talented Armstrong. The diva in her greatest element of vocal styling comes off strong on Thomas Whitfield's arrangement of the title track - which is probably her most recognized signature hit of all time. Other than that track, "Anyway You Bless Me" and the moody, classic arrangement of Charles Nicks' "He's Real" are the only original cuts taken from that memorable project. While this is pretty much a marketing decoy that will probably bring severe devastation to those that desire the original "Peace Be Still" LP on disc, this project still gives wonderful moments of Armstrong at her best in the eighties. Rudolph Stanfield's "I'm Going Through" is glossed with classic synth handiwork and a deep R&B swing that wondrously defines Whitfield's studio craftsmanship. "Waiting", taken from the "Chosen" project, is another serious highlight which falls in lines with the musical styling Anita Baker started with during this same time period. "Walk With Me", an arrangement of the renowned public domain piece, is best remembered for the walking keyboard movements, brief instrument cutoffs and the bluesy foundations that allow Armstrong to showcase her gift of vocal swooning. And the moving balladry of "Teach Me Oh Lord", penned by Lonzetta White Furlow, and Stanfield's "He's My Everything" deserve strong attention and should not be ignored. Closing this project is "There's A Brighter Day"; a churchy number taken from the "Following Jesus" LP and was co-written by Bobby Jones' current music director Derrick Lee and Whitfield. This cut is so baffling due to its quick phrasing and fast-paced rhythms, but Armstrong is a pro on this cut; helping to make this a B-side favorite for generations to come.

This mesh of Onyx material on top of a confusing idea of recreating "Peace Be Still" may be the only downfall to this 601 release, but the material offered here is pleasing adventures of Armstrong's brilliant vocal storytelling. If you are looking for the actual "Peace Be Still" project, look for the vinyl version. But if you want to forsake the initial ground rules and are searching for a good blend of Armstrong's most remembered and overlooked material on the Onyx label, this one aims to please.