Pittsburgh-based artist Stephani Ezatoff has been earning building a reputation as one of the most soulful voices in modern Gospel and blues. Her music simmers in the overlap of reverence and reinvention, based deeply in tradition but lit up by a distinctly modern glow. With an astonishing voice that carries both the strength of the church pew and the shine of the studio, Stephani is an artist who treats each song as both performance and prayer.
Her musical voyage has already seen her recognised across international stages and publications, earning accolades that speak to both her incredible talent and emotional context. Named a Semi-Finalist for Best Female Vocalist in the Unsigned Only Music Awards, Stephani’s profile continues to rise, built on her ability to honour the origins of Gospel while taking its spirit into new spheres.
Her award-winning cover of Babbie Masonâs âGod Will Open the Windows of Heaven,â which took home Best Song and Best Music Video at the Christian Online Film Festival, offered an enticing window of her faithful yet adventurous output. Now she brings us another showcase of her enamouring vocal ability and impressive knack for reimagining classic music with her rendition of “Precious Lord Take My Hand.”
Originally penned by Thomas A. Dorsey, often hailed as the Father of Gospel Music, the song has long stood as a touchstone of faith and determination. Stephani now breathes new life into a century-old hymn without losing an ounce of its sanctity; her version doesnât so much reinterpret the song as it reveals it again, tracing its pain, surrender and grace with the warmth of experience and the conviction of belief. The track was recorded between Sound Shop Studio and Doghouse Studio in Nashville with producer Brian Speer, featuring an all-star cast of collaborators.
The legendary Johnny Minick lays down Rhodes piano and Hammond B3 organ lines that shimmer with vintage soul, while Angela Primm, Gale West, Johnny Minick and Aaron Minick provide rich, gospel-driven harmonies. Add to that the flair of Nashville session greats Gary Lunn on bass and Dave Cleveland on guitar and the result is a track that feels both intimate and monumental from start to finish. Brought in by the bounce of bright piano lines as Stephani’s rich vocalisations blossom into alluring delivery, she stitches the timeless melodies and heartfelt lyrics into the vintage arrangement.
Flowing with the soft taps of percussion, pulse of bass and bluesy guitar licks, the song gently takes flight with warm organ textures and dazzling backing vocal layers. Gradually gathering energy with stacks of instrumentation and overlapping vocals, it’s a spectacular cover that reframes a beloved composition from yesteryear in her own way, offering a celebration of enduring music and the magic of Stephani Ezatoff’s sonic vision.
Listen to Precious Lord Take My Hand below
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