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The Entertainment Bank - CD Review
 Yvonne Cobbs is blessed with the wisdom to have her own record label at YCC Records. I like hearing projects like this one, her CD "You Can't Have It," because the songs have great musical substance, and a high level of musicianship, offering brilliant and impassioned arrangements, live drums, and nice surprises like the little girl’s voice on the intro to “The Prayer.” The classic gospel arrangement leaves no room for doubt that Ms Cobbs is from a rich Gospel tradition.
Ms. Cobbs is blessed with a voice that delivers effortless soulful exultation upon the most high. “You Can’t Have It” bears the fruit of a dedicated soldier of Christ. With this, her fourth CD now available, I heard a wide range of styles, including classic Isley Brothers style rhythm guitar, and immediate rock solid vocal harmonies, along with Yvonne’s strong voice in 3 part harmony. I enjoyed the breakdown where she gets to testify about our victory over Satan, and was able to fully appreciate the acoustic piano parts that one would hear back in the day on cuts with Dr. Dre.
This talented artist's vocal style is complemented by top notch production in the way her CD is mixed, and her songwriting skills are exceptional. Crank up the sound, and it’s a beautiful thing. I enjoyed the Christmas selections “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” and “Little Drummer Boy,” and the arrangements on both allowed the lady to shine, hitting the big notes. I didn’t receive the musicians credits for this recording, but I would be remiss in not giving them props on their exceptional piano/keys performances. I recognized some sounds of the Sitar on Little Drummer Boy, and my goodness -- the bass, whether it was electric or synthesizer, was definitely in the right place at the right time. The drummer always played what was needed and he was tasteful in doing so.
The good news is this is only the fourth complete CD from Yvonne Cobbs, which means there are 3 others with more excellence to discover! I was uplifted by “You Can’t Have It,” and I know you’ll be impressed by Yvonne’s conviction in her voice, and her very capable musicians. This was a CD that took quite a while for me to get to to review, and I can say that it was worth the wait, but I wish I hadn't had to. This is gospel music at its finest, and it was truly a pleasure allowing it to touch my soul.
NOTE: A special thanks goes out to my friend and colleague, Mr. Andr'e L. Carter of Synergy1Radio for bringing this CD to my attention and making this review possible.
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