Water Walker, a Dream Come True
Who ever said that most men in their early twenties lack direction, motivation and desire have not met Dennis Reed, Jr. He is the anointed multitalented founder of the gospel group, God's Appointed People (GAP), who released their first CD, "Water Walker", in August 2005.
"Water Walker" is a dream come true for Reed because the group tried to do it years ago but it never came together for them. "But this time God gave the orders and now they are just walking in it," he said. He went on to say that he didn't want to be put in a box just as another gospel artist, but he wants his music to cross all boundaries. "Just like God my music is multi-racial, multi-cultural with one main purpose and that is to lead the lost to Christ." Reed explains that GAP is a very special part of him. "The ministry of GAP is my baby but it wouldn't be possible had not God sent me people who believed in the vision. The people of GAP are not just talented singers they are my best friends. They stick with me through thick and thin. We hang out on a regular basis and I feel this is important even for the ministry portion of the group." This family friendly group sang with much skill on the upcoming release "Water Walker." Not only was Reed an extremely talented vocalist on this CD, but he also produced, arranged vocals, played the piano and wrote all the songs.
Reed is no newcomer to the gospel music scene. This 20 year old has shared the stage with and/or worked for some of the gospel music leading recording artist such as LaShun Pace, Donald Lawrence, The Murills, Tamela Mann, John P. Kee, Smokie Norful, Ted and Sheri, Lucinda Moore, Patrick Love, Christopher Brinson, Christopher Gray, Ricky Dillard and Shirley Caesar. Music has always been apart of Reed's life. Even as a toddler, Reed was exposed to Gospel Music as both his parents would go to midnight rehearsals for Greg Hoover and The Charlotte Community Singers. "I would jump on the back pew of the church with the other kids and they would pretend to play the drums or piano while I would pretend to direct the choir. Funny thing is, most of those same little kids are now pursuing music careers." When asked who was the most influential musically on his life Reed applied "My God-father Ron Gilliam, taught me everything I know about directing a choir. He is the only musician that gave me a chance even at an early age to play the piano for his choir. All the other big shot musicians didn't give me the time of day as my mom called around desperately searching for a piano teacher, but he gave me a chance." Pastor Ron Gilliam is featured on the CD singing "Seasons." Reed says that this song is his testimony. "It's been hard, the roads been rough; I wanted to give up when the going got tough. Those lyrics are my life. So many times it seemed like every door was shut in my face. I looked around and it seemed like those who did wrong always were prospering but God said press on." Reed feels that he is no longer waiting on his season; it has arrived.
Reed accounts much of his writing style to the much beloved producer Donald Lawrence. "His vocal arrangements are out of this world. I really have taken a lot of time studying his phrasing and song form." says Reed. Reed's group GAP had the pleasure of working with Lawrence in a concert for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. The late Thomas Whitfield has also influenced Reed's writing. "Thomas Whitfield is without a doubt the maestro of Gospel Music. I remember about 9 years ago going to the music store and asking about a Whitfield record and being looked at in amazement that I would know who he was. Listening to his chord progressions changed my world forever." Reed also says Kirk Franklin's songs have helped to influence his writing in a special way.
Though Reed is a musical perfectionist he hasn't forgotten the most important thing...ministry. "The industry of Gospel Music is much like the industry for secular music. It can be very competitive and like secular record lables, many gospel labels try to conform artists into what they want them to be. I found myself lately asking 'what is different about me... what separates me from other artist?' It wasn't until God rebuked me that I realized that He isn't looking for more artists; He's looking for willing vessels to minister the gospel. I was so concerned about a sound; 'you got to have vibrato, you have to say the word this way' that it began to overshadow the ministry. So many artists start out focused on ministry and because of pressures from fans and record companies, they conform to industry standards. The goal should always be to invoke God's presence that He might save souls," says Reed. "With that said, we must find a way to go outside the church walls and reach those who don't even listen to gospel music. We need to find a way to minister to those who can't afford to buy a CD or go to a concert," explained Reed. With ministry as his focus, this young man is definitely on the road to greatness.
A rising senior at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC, this honor student organized the school's first multiracial gospel choir, named One Voice. "My dad actually forced me to go to college because I was convinced that I was through with school, but after arriving on campus, I knew this was an opportunity for me to grow and mature," says Reed. Campus life has allowed him even more time to reflect on his ministry GAP. Many songs are inspired at college says Reed. "I lock myself in the practice room and wait for God to speak. This is my saving grace. This is how I don't get caught up in all the other things that college life is kown for," he said. He also wrote a song for the John Lennon Scholarship and was chosen as the North Carolina state finalist.
Inspire the Fire is a youth and fellowship conference that Reed founded while working as the music director at a local church. Inspire the Fire hosts over 150 Charlotte area youth each year incorporating the arts to saved troubled youth from the streets. "I feel that our churches aren't doing enough for my peers. This conference serves as an outlet for young people to be themselves, have fun, and learn about Christ." Inspire the Fire Youth-N-Fellowship Arts Conference is an effective outreach ministry that Reed incorporates into his shows with GAP and invites any and all young people to participate.
The CD "Water Walker" is a dream come true for Reed. When asked 'what a Water Walker is' Reed replied "You, I, we are all Water Walkers. Anybody crazy enough to believe God and step out on His promise though things look bleak is a Water Walker." Reed shares that his favorite songs are "Out of Control" and "Necessary." "Out of Control is my jam. It simply is letting the world know that I am a weapon of mass destruction. And I like singing in the sky, so at the end of the song I get really excited when the group sings about a change happening." "Necessary" is a ballad that speaks to issues of abortion, drug use, and even disobedience to God. "What people must know is that we all make mistakes but when we come to God he uses our past to shape us into who we are now. This is not a free token to sin and do whatever we want, but it should serve as comfort to those who feel guilty for their mistakes." Dennis Reed and GAP continue their ministry as they sing under the anointing on 16 tracks featured on the project Water Walker.
The highly anticipated release of Water Walker proves that through Christ all things are possible. Now Reed and his team of friends are ready to spread the message of love to the world representing a true testament of faith.
