ALBUM DESCRIPTION

Anybody that knows me knows that reggae is the musical equivalent of bread to me- most definitely a staple of my listening diet. Having said that, my musical tastes do not end there and are diverse enough to encompass a range of styles. Frankly, as I get older I find that in some ways I have become more open to different styles of music, which is definitely a good thing. That point leads me to the debut album from St. Thomas' Aquannette Chinnery. Serving as lead vocalist for a number of years (and presently) in the island's Tidal Wave Gospel Band, it became time for this gifted singer and songwriter to record some of her works so that people around the world might be blessed by the offering.

"Who Is Like Unto You?" is a delightful, well-crafted, exceptionally produced collection of songs with mostly traditional gospel at it's core but a variety of styles intertwined around it. When I refer to the traditional gospel core, I refer to the basic melodies and lyrics which function as a musical canvas for some really creative things to happen. First off, I must say that the production and musical skills of Loris Holland (Felicia Marion's "Compassion" among others) and Mel Holder permeate this recording to present a rich, well-mixed sound throughout which results in a quality work of art. One of the many things I find nice about this recording is that it contains ten tracks, which means I can listen to the entire album in one sitting or one not-too-long car ride. It may not seem like a big deal, but when nowadays we have CD's containing upwards of twenty tracks on them, it's nice to be able to listen to the entire body of songs within a reasonable amount of time.

The first selection (the title track) is a smooth, contemporary sounding ballad, which serves to praise Jesus, while offering a deep message of encouragement to the listener who may be experiencing some trials. With a sound that might be compared to the arrangements of the likes of Toni Braxton, "Who Is Like Unto Thee?" features the rich, heartfelt vocals of Aquannette accompanied by the sweet sax styling of Mel Holder and the superb backing vocals of Loris Holland.

Among the many highlights of "Who Is Like Unto Thee?" is the ultra-catchy reggae number "El Elyon- The Most High God" which starts with a cool 70's style Fender Rhodes keyboard intro. One of nine songs co-written by Chinnery and Holland, it can bring rays of sun into the darkest of days, leading one into praise of Almighty God.

"So Good To Me" is traditional-style, hand-clapping gospel music that seems to typify the songs of praise many of us might here at Saturday or Sunday morning church service. Aided by the backing vocals of Larry and Marissa Felder, "So Good To Me" is classic gospel, which nicely conveys the message of gratefulness for God's goodness.

The prevalent Caribbean flavour shines in soca tunes like the "Medley," "High High High," "I Believe," and one of my very favorites- "Sweet." A tune that brings joy to the soul who knows Jesus is sweeter than honey, sugar, candy or anything else! Taking a topic that is often dealt with in a quiet, reflective fashion, "The Blood Of Jesus" combines a pleasing melody, traditional gospel structure and a highly infectious reggae beat to produce a celebratory proclamation of the power in the Saviour's blood. "No Other Love Is Greater" is a sweet reggae gospel song replete with Mel Holder's simple yet powerful sax riffs. Once again, a strong lyrical message and Holland's impeccable backing vocals enhance some great singing by the articulate Chinnery. "Elohim," the final track on this album, begins with music and vocals that have a distinct Hebrew flavour, only to give way smoothly to a swaying reggae rhythm. The lyrics affirm the position of those who have their lives anchored in Christ as "elected and protected."

"Who Is Like Unto You?" is quite simply a diverse, very well-produced album of memorable songs by a beautiful, highly gifted woman of God. You'll find as you listen, the strong melodies combined with Aquannette's vocal clarity make for some songs you'll be singing in your head (or out loud) long after the album has stopped playing. Filled with soothing sounds, Caribbean spice and lyrics of high praise, Aquannette Chinnery's "Who Is Like Unto Thee?" is perfectly suited to listeners who enjoy musical variety without compromise in the gospel message.

--Review by Mike Roots

***Artist Biography***
Gospel rocording artist, Aquannette chinnery of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands is a born-again Christian singer/songwriter. Her sole ministry focus is to spread the gospel across the world in song, particularly to Caribbean people and the lovers of Caribbean gospel music. She is a member of Wesley Methodist Church where she serves as a Class Leader.

As a young person, she worked at a summer job to buy a piano. She taught herself to play it and played for a couple of years. She entered college in her early teens and started singing as an alto in her college chorus. Aquannette also had many years of performing as a dancer prior to and after that time. Her musical experience continued when she had the opportunity to do some backup singing. Several years ago, she joined Tidalwave Gospel Band as a lead and backup vocalist.

Aquannette is also an attorney and award winning fine artist (painter). She has also been an evening news and weather anchor, radio account executive, disc jockey, talk show host, model, dancer, assistant director of the public realatons office for the Governor of the Virgin Islands, beauty pageant winner, and lab manager. At age 18, she was the youngest graduate of the then College of the Virgin Islands from which she graduated with a B.A. in Chemistry. She has her M.S. in Biochemistry from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and J.D. degree with High Honors from Rutgers University Schoot of Law-Newark.

The recently released CD "Who Is Like Unto You?" is her debut solo gospel CD. Aquannette co-wrote most of the songs on the CD with Loris Holland. He was one of her two producers/musicians and is a talented producer/writer/singer/keyboard player/arranger who has also worked as producer for Denice Williams (co-produced with Purpose, Nancey Hackson, Tramaine Hawkins, Vickie Winans, Felicia Marion). He has also worked on projects for Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Dez, Santana, Jonathan Butler, Mel Holder, and others. He was also Keyboard Magazine's cover artist for September 2001. Mel Holder, her other producer, is a talented producer/saxophonist. He has worked as a producer for Lanee Battle and others, has released several of his own CDs, one of which features Kelly Price and Jonathan Butler, and has played on numerous other aritst' CDs.