An entire album retrospective could be fashioned around the quiet exploits of this veteran Gospel artist, Howard Smith, from his time as a member of The Testimonial Singers (who later made some changes to become The Winans), to his involvement as vocalist on Andrae Crouch albums, to his solo career with Light Records back in the 80’s with his Grammy-nominated album Totally Committed, featuring the hit single “I Wanna Get To Know You". This independently-produced project is an obvious labor of love, with well-crafted songs and thought-provoking lyrics. Smith uses his airy-smooth voice, lined with an occasional controlled grit, to bring out a soulfulness of both tune and word that is sometimes lacking in today’s emphasis on beats. The voice has lost nothing over the years; in fact, the length of the span between projects only enhances the appreciation for a vocal talent this large. The album generates a definite 70’s flow, not dated, but revamped to incorporate a musicality appropriate to right now. Cuts such as “What Did You Do With Jesus” and “Encouraged” linger in the ear even after one spin. Other stellar tracks are “Not Now” and “Turn It Around”. With the involvement of some of the most respected session singers around (Yvonne Williams, Howard McCrary and Alfie Durio), and with musicians such as Paul Jackson Jr. and Andre Gouche lending a hand, an easy soul flow vibe is carried throughout every minute of the project. The production values embedded into the disc by veterans Andrae Fisher and Scott V. Smith make Seasons Change a tour-de-force, providing a quality that goes beyond that heard from some of the major production houses. Seasons Change is an intensely listenable and mellow project with a sound unlike any other on the Gospel market today, and Howard Smith is a unique voice that deserves to be heard. — review by Stan North — GospelFlava.com Personnel includes: Producers: Andrae Fisher, Scott V. Smith Executive Producers: Howard Smith, Robie Smith Engineers: Doug Rider, Woody Woodruff, Scott V. Smith, John Morabido. Keyboards: Bill Cantos, Michael Ruff, Brad Cole Guitar: Paul Jackson Jr. Bass: John Pina, Andrew Gouche Drums: Harvey Mason Sax Solo: Gerald Albright Synth Overdubs: Larry Steelman, Michael Ruff Percussion: Alberto Salas Vocals: Howard Smith Background Vocals and Arrangements: Howard Smith, Maxi Anderson, Alfie Durio, Yvonne Williams, Howard McCrary Mastered by: Bernie Grundman Photography by: Wendel Fraser Concept and Design by: Digitized i Logo by: Eric Coates Email us at: ears2hear@comcast.net Special Thanks: First to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, your mercy, grace, patience and long suffering towards me is astounding. Thank you for not giving up on me. May this record bring you glory and honor and cause many new brothers and sisters to come into the kingdom in these last hours/minutes before you return. To my wife and partner, Robie (You have been invaluable to me on this project). Tiffany and Brandon (for your love and encouragement). My Parents, Howard and Lee Anna Smith (couldn’t have done it without you). Barton Smith, Charles and Carol Ford (you’ve always been there for us). To all my family and in-laws (love ya’). Andrae Fisher, Scott, Debbie and Sarah Smith (thanks for everything). Bebe Winans, Cedric Caldwell, Earl Buffington, Alfred McCrary, Burnie Stevenson, Barry Martin, John W. Smith, Billy and Sarah Gaines, Monica Coates, Eric Coates, Wendel, Linda and Sara Fraser, Ike and Denise Austin, Scott Pitts, Mark Chironna, T.D. Jakes, Myles Monroe, D.P. (I will always love you), Andrae Crouch, Bill Maxwell, Bill Shnee, the gang at USF Holland, Lynn Owens, Gary Crawford, Horatio Bennett, Tim Smith and all the faithful DJ’s across the country who have been kind enough to keep the music playing. Thank you all. Finally, I want to thank every singer, musician, songwriter, producer, and everyone who has touched this project in anyway. My unending love and gratitude forever… thank you my friends. Howard