I hate single releases. The reason why is because if you hear a single that you really like, when it’s over, you want more. Ava Cherry’s “Testify Love” is the epitome of this phenomenon. The track begins with what sounds like a sizzle cymbal where the enveloping has been reversed (i.e.: decay to attack vs. attack to delay sonic dynamics, in other words it the volume increases as opposed to decreasing). Then after several bars of a four-quarter time kick drum pattern accompanied by a funky synthesized bass, Ms. Cherry’s sultry voice along with other instruments comes into the mix. And like the horses at the Kentucky Derby, they’re off!
The smoldering string section supporting the lovely diva’s vocal work throughout the opening verse eventually leads the listener to the chorus. Once you’re in the chorus the full percussion ensemble is popping like corn in a hot greased kettle. As her music fills your ears, imagined images of what it must’ve been like to be on the crowed dance floor of the long gone Studio 54 fills your mind, and haunts you like forgotten ghosts in on a moonless night. By the second verse and repeated chorus you’re hopelessly hooked on Cherry’s nu-soul sound.
At a little after the midsection of the song this chauntress begins to vamp and improvise on the repeated lines, “Do it all, I do! Do it all, I do! Do it all, I do …” and, “Do it all, I want to testify! Do it all, I want to testify! Do it all, I want to testify…” The end result is you are compelled to compare her performance to the great female artists of the past such as Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross or Gladys Knight. It’s solid and sounds heavenly.
“Testify Love” is Ava Cherry’s second single released on the Wake Up! Music label. A few months back they dropped a cover of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance”. Interestingly enough Ms. Cherry was the backup singer for Bowie, as well as many other boldfaced names, in the studio and on the road. Both the first and second singles are slated to be included on a yet untitled album Wake Up! Music plans to release and distribute later this year. I just hope they don’t make us all wait to long, because I for one am willing to testify and ready to dance just as soon as Ava Cherry (https://avacherry.com) is ready to call the next tune.
