Jody McBrayer of Avalon steps out solo with the album
This is Who I Am. His devotion to the award-winning foursome is solid as ever, but with this project, he pauses to let fans glimpse a more personal side of himself.
Spiced with his Spanish heritage, This Is Who I Am was born from a crisis of faith after his father's death. Because Sonny McBrayer was also his spiritual mentor, Jody McBrayer was driven both to rediscover his roots, and to anchor his identity more securely in God. Latin and R&B beats depart from familiar Avalon pop, but this sound experiment delivers encouragement like "Love Can Break Your Fall," shouts about "Unspeakable Joy" and soulfully thanks God for being the Father in "I Never Knew."
The international flavor of This Is Who I Am is demonstrated through a flamenco guitar and R&B dance beat. Each ballad and dance tune is seasoned with the sincerity expected from a member of Avalon. With this solo album, McBrayer searched his soul and found his voice.
-- Marya Morgan