The Live Encounter

There's a lot of buzz building about Tonya Bakers rising name in the gospel music world. She has been critically-praised for her unique blend of jazzy vocal riffs with a straightforward gospel message. The Dayton, OH native now brings you her first live recording featuring the hit single quot;Miraclesquot;.

"The live encounter" might be assumed to be between gospel singer Tonya Baker and her audience on this lengthy album, but she would probably say it's an encounter between God and His people. Baker has room for three distinct sections on the disc. The first section is in a traditional gospel mode, as Baker comes out saying, "I don't know what you came to do, but I came to praise the Lord," which sets the tone for songs with titles like "Nothing Compares" and "Miracles." Baker changes gears, musically, at least, starting with "Bless Your Name (Tonya's Psalm)," a Caribbean-flavored ballad, which begins a series of softer numbers with a quiet storm feel. She revs up for the finish, starting with "I Won't Forget," which boasts a funk rhythm, and roars to the end with "Kingdom Advancement." Although it is typical of gospel albums to have extended codas, or reprises, to songs, Baker makes a major event out of the ones here; for example, the reprise to "Let Your Glory Fill This House" runs more than eight minutes, which is more than two-and-a-half minutes longer than the song itself. In these improvisatory moments, she seems to explore the song and its meaning with her band and audience, preparing her to move on to the next song. The Live Encounter is an ambitious effort for Tonya Baker and a singular accomplishment. ~ William Ruhlmann, Rovi

Performer	Tonya Baker
Music genre	Sacred / Religious, Gospel, Contemporary Christian
Music subgenre	CD - GOSPEL
Music release type	Release
Media format	CD
Original release date	2011
Edition	Standard
Has parental advisory label	N
Number of discs	1
Series title	Tonya Baker - Live Encounter [CD]
Track listing	I Came to Praise,Shine Forth,Nothing Compares,Miracles,Miracles Reprise,Glory Fill This House,Bless Your Name (Tonya's Psalm),This Is How We Love,I'll Sing Forever,Give Thanks,I Won't Forget,Shout to God,Kingdom Advancement,I Won't Forget,Shout to God,Kingdom Advancement
Record label	Kingdom Records
Track name	Miracles
Music media format	CD
Is edited	N
Is enhanced	N